Faculty of Social Sciences

We are a leading Faculty of Social Sciences and our rankings reflect this across our subject areas. We're ranked Top 5 in the UK for Education, 1st in Scotland for Criminology, and Top 10 in the UK for Social Policy (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023).

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Study with us

With a diverse range of globally recognised courses, we’ll help you to be the difference in your chosen career. From sociology to education, all of our social science courses are taught by lecturers who are experts in their fields.

We deliver many courses that facilitate opportunities for you to gain widespread practical experience, promote postgraduate research, and allow you to achieve your ambitions.

Study in the Faculty of Social Sciences

Social Sciences divisions

Dementia and Ageing

Explore how we're enhancing the lives of older people and people with dementia around the world.

Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology

We use our expertise in Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology to understand and improve society.

Education

Education has a thriving community of staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Social Work

We will prepare you for a rewarding career in this important field. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Faculty's Equality Diversity and Inclusion Committee works in a number of areas including protected characteristics (under the Equality Act), social class and gender. The committee is comprised of academics, professional service staff and post-graduate researchers.

We proudly hold a bronze Athena Swan award for our commitment to gender equality, which involves delivering a five-year action plan on intersectional inequalities. 

Curriculum making research centre first of its kind in the UK

Curriculum making research centre first of its kind in the UK

A new research centre focusing on school curriculum making – the first of its kind in the UK - has opened at the University of Stirling.

MSPs unite to call for compassion and kindness as See Beyond campaign is debated in Parliament

MSPs unite to call for compassion and kindness as See Beyond campaign is debated in Parliament

In recognition of the impact on those left behind when someone they love dies because of alcohol and drugs, MSPs used a debate on See Beyond – See the Lives – Scotland in the Scottish Parliament this week to call for more compassion and support.