Pedestrians in a busy city square
Getty Images/Marco Piunti.

Research

Our diverse community has earned a reputation for world-leading research that explores the complexities of the social world.

With its long and distinguished history, our School is now one of the largest social science communities in Europe. We work across many specialist areas and draw on a variety of intellectual traditions, ensuring that our research is broad and diverse in its scope. 

SSPSSR have been ranked 3rd in the UK for its overall research quality with 100% of it's environment classed as world-leading in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF2021).  

Research impact 

The value we place on academic rigour and innovative ideas allows us to make a real impact on society. Within the School are trusted consultants and advisers to a wide variety of government departments and professional organisations. Thanks to this network, our academics are able to inform national and international policies and practices.

Research funding 

Many of our projects attract large research grants from funding bodies such as the ESRC, the British Academy, Arts and Humanities Research Council, European Commission, Anglo-German Foundation, NATO, Equal Opportunities Commission, National Probation Service and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. 


World-leading experts

Our academics work at the leading edge of scholarship in the social sciences. Their work contributes to influential debates and affects policy and practice in many significant ways.

Dr Beth Breeze outside a University of Kent building

OBE for Dr Beth Breeze

Dr Beth Breeze recognised "for services to Philanthropic Research and Fundraising"

Research centres

Centre for Child Protection

Research into child protection training that uses innovative ideas and the latest technology.

Centre for Global Science and Epistemic Justice

Research dedicated to exploring the inter-relations between epistemic justice and the sciences and their impact on individual life opportunities.

Centre for Health Service Studies

Research into health systems and services and work to improve links between research, policy and practice.

Centre for Parenting Culture Studies (CPCS)

Interdisciplinary research from across the University that explores the changing role and meaning of ‘parenthood’.

Centre for Philanthropy

Exploring topics such as fundraising, major donors, corporate philanthropy, and how philanthropy relates to social justice.

Centre for the Study of Social and Political Movements

Work on contemporary forms of social and political movements and collective action, including environmental movements.

Personal Social Services Research Unit

Conducting highly influential research on social and health care that informs policy, practice and theory.

Tizard Centre

A leading academic group conducting influential research on learning disabilities and community care.

Research clusters

Applied Research Ethics and Integrity

Work that aims to bridge the gap between the academic study of ethics and current practice.

Civil Society

Research on the social forces and interests that motivate individuals to respond to the needs of others.

Crime, Culture and Control

Topics cover the theoretical and empirical inquiry into criminology and related subjects.

Gender, Sexuality and Culture

Work that explores the critical theories concerning questions of gender, sexuality and feminism.

Health, Social Care and Embodiment

Work that draws on sociological, economic, historical and political science perspectives.

Migration, Ethnicity, Religion and Belonging

Research that includes work on race, ethnicity, religion and space.

Risk and Uncertainty

A range of research that explores the new relationship between risk and society. 

Welfare State

Topics include disability, old age, health and social care, the family, immigration, poverty, and the labour market.

Visual and Sensory

Research that explores the social world through its visual, aural, material and performative qualities.

Work, Employment and Economic Life

Research covering the nature of work and industrial change at a national and international level.

Social Theory

Research into sociological theory alongside concepts from philosophy, humanities and other social sciences.

Research excellence

Our School was ranked 3rd in the UK for its overall research quality in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. This impressive result is an indication of the quality and the breadth of our research.
Mother and son painting
Pexels.

Examining care home quality ratings

Research shows that data on residents’ outcomes is an important indicator of care quality.

Our academic network

We aim to get our work out into the world by publishing research, getting involved in funding bodies, contributing to international symposia and conferences and becoming partners in global or national research projects. 

Our collaborations, for example as a member of the Eastern ARC and the South East ESRC Doctoral Training Centre, provide opportunities to network and exchange knowledge. We also host regular seminars with external speakers to provide access to the latest research from other institutions. 

In the news

People in city crossing the road

Rises in age of state pension

Research uncovers numerous issues being caused by the rising of the state pension age.
Globe showing Western and Eastern Europe

Post-Soviet happiness gap

Research explores the reasons for the happiness gap between eastern and western Europe.
Demonstration and police line

Violence and Society republished

Professor Larry Ray has updated his influential book Violence and Society.
Flamboyantly dressed man in striped suit, patterned tie, shades and sun hat

No ‘changing room moment’ for men

Men, unlike women, are less likely to decide that they are too old for certain types of clothes.