Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy

Our students and researchers enjoy a lively and innovative teaching and learning environment in one of the country’s top Schools of Social Sciences and Humanities.

11th in the UK for Criminology The Guardian University Guide 2024
6th in the UK for Sociology The Complete University Guide 2024
8th for Graduate Prospects in Social Policy The Complete University Guide 2024
100% of Social Policy research impact rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' Research Excellence Framework 2021

Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy at Loughborough

Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy, a department in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, is home to world-leading, original and internationally excellent research in sociology, social policy and criminology, with an expert team academic staff who are leaders in their respective fields. Our students and researchers question the world around them and to draw on classic and contemporary theories and methods to understand, explain and respond to the challenges faced in times of change and uncertainty.

Research degrees

In addition to our exciting range of taught programmes, there are also a variety of funded and unfunded opportunities to join us as a doctoral researcher. You can develop your own unique research proposal or browse our current list of PhD opportunities – either way, we’d love to hear from you.

Browse our PhD opportunities

Research and teaching

Our social policy and criminology research has world-leading impact, particularly in services for children and minimum income standards. Our research and analysis of ‘A Minimum Income Standard for the United Kingdom’ is the leading standard of its kind in the UK, and is being replicated internationally.

Our sociology research focuses on intersections of class, gender, race, religion and other social identities and structural inequalities, migration and citizenship, digital media, health, and consumption, culture and inequality.

Links with industry

We are committed to delivering outstanding research that transforms lives and societies and influences and informs government policy. Our staff work with a wide range of public and third sector bodies, including Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the NHS, Child Poverty Action Group, the National Police Chiefs Council and the Victims Commissioner for England and Wales.

Career opportunities

Our graduates have gone on to work for companies and organisations such as China Development Research Foundation, Elsevier Ltd, Image Line Communication, Institute of Psychiatry, the Metropolitan Police Service, Oxfam, University of Bath, University of Plymouth, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia and X-Pert Med GmbH.