Our department works to address contemporary issues in areas like health and wellbeing, social policy and inequality, and international relations. We offer an exciting catalogue of undergraduate degree courses in psychology, sociology, politics, applied social science, and joint degrees in criminology, education and counselling, business and management, and marketing, as well as an inspiring range of postgraduate courses, including psychology, public health, research methods, and international relations. 

Our courses are focused on developing skills, building critical insights, improving students’ employability, and applying theoretical learning to the real world. Our staff have teaching and research interests in a broad range of social science fields, and conduct research that is meaningful and rigorous, improving the local, national, and global community through partnerships with government, charities, and business.  

We have excellent links with businesses and organisations across Sheffield and beyond. By sharing our expertise and carrying out consultancy for businesses we have a real impact in our local community. Our staff also contribute to international conferences and are often invited to comment on current affairs in the media, including BBC Radio and Television, and media from outside the UK.

Athena Swan Bronze Award

The Athena Swan Charter is an international framework which was originally established to recognise and encourage a commitment to supporting and advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM).  Athena Swan awards now celebrate gender equality best practice more broadly, in areas such as recruitment, retention, career progression and work environment. In being given a Bronze Award the Psychology subject group was particularly commended on its Pathways Mentoring scheme and its sabbatical opportunities. We were also commended for the support given to staff taking maternity and adoption leave as well as there being clear evidence of wide ranging activities to support female staff progression in the Department. 

Find out more about Athena Swan.