Social Sciences

The Department of Social Sciences offers an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Criminology, Sociology, International Relations International Development, Media, Journalism and Mass Communications. Award-winning global research and partnerships will give you the real world experience to drive positive social change on an international level.

By studying in the Department of Social Sciences, you become part of a community which actively engages with a wide range of organisations and agencies from the social, cultural and political environment.  You will gain first-hand experience of research informed teaching which uses contemporary case studies examples throughout the programme drawn directly from staff research in areas such as international development, analysing crime and the criminal justice system, and communication and Journalism

Moreover, our offerings extend to Masters in Social Sciences programs, enabling you to delve deeper into the realm of social understanding and exploration. Alongside traditional learning, you'll have the opportunity to undertake research placements, volunteering and accredited work-related learning in challenging environments such as prisons, youth offending teams, homeless charities and parliamentary offices as well as exchanges with overseas universities.

You’ll benefit from strong relationships with organisations including Arts Alliance, New Writing North, the Youth Offending Team, Procter & Gamble and the British Council. Within media and journalism, academic staff are internationally recognised for their work in Media and Cultural Studies and have developed relationships with cultural and commercial organisations including Tyneside Cinema, BBC, ITV Tyne Tees and high-profile creative agencies

The department has a strong reputation for excellence in research, teaching and learning. Northumbria is ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in social policy in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework and has previously won the British Sociological Society and Higher Education Academy National award for Excellence in Teaching Sociology.

Academics from Social Sciences were behind the formation of the North East Homeless Think Tank – a regional agency bringing together academics, researchers and policy officers to inform and influence policies affecting homeless groups.

Check out all of the Social Sciences courses offered by Northumbria University.