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Databases

Databases are collections of key online resources for your subject area.

Databases include journal articles, book chapters, reports, conference papers, and more. Some databases provide full-text access, while others list references only.

To access a database, click the link on this page to view the catalogue record, then select ‘View Online’ to start searching. Make sure you are logged in.

Why use databases?

  • find peer reviewed academic sources relevant to your subject including access content not indexed by Google Scholar
  • use advanced search tools, such as filters, Boolean operators, and subject headings as well as save search results and set up alerts for new publications
  • export citations directly to tools like EndNote or Zotero

To get the most comprehensive results, it’s best to search across several databases.

Interdisciplinary databases

These databases cover a wide range of subjects and are useful across disciplines. They can complement the subject-specific databases listed below.

  • International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS) - cross-disciplinary coverage across the social sciences from 1951. Covering four primary subject areas: anthropology, economics, political science and sociology.
  • Overton - tracks policy documents, parliamentary transcripts, government guidance and think tank research globally from 180+ countries, allowing you to see how academic research influences policy.
  • Policy Commons - policy reports, briefs, analyses, working papers, and datasets from thousands of organisations, including think tanks, IGOs and NGOs, providing insights into policy-making and social impact.
  • ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global - comprehensive collection of dissertations (PhD) and theses (Master's) from around the world.
  • SAGE Research Methods - tool to help you design research projects, understand particular methods and conduct research.
  • Scopus - large academic database covering science, social sciences, and the arts. Known for its broad international especially from Asia and non-Western countries. Includes tools for citation tracking.
  • Web Of Science - multidisciplinary database covering science, social sciences, and humanities, with records dating back to 1900. It has a stronger focus on US and European content and is especially useful for exploring historical research trends. Includes citation tracking tools.

Key subject databases

These databases focus on specific disciplines and are a great starting point for in-depth research. They are used alongside broader interdisciplinary databases.

  • Business Source Complete - business studies, marketing and management. Includes key trade publications, industry case studies and company profiles.
  • Communication and Mass Media Complete - covers media studies, journalism, linguistics, popular culture and IT.
  • Econlit - from American Economic Association, covers all aspects of economics and economic history.
  • International Political Science Abstracts - from International Political Science Association. Covers politics and international relations.
  • LGBTQ+ Source - includes full text articles, books and newspapers covering all aspects of gender studies LGBT+ studies and feminism.
  • Ovid Embase - biomedical and pharmaceutical journals contains items not on Medline.
  • Ovid - MEDLINE - biomedical and health journals covering clinical care, public health and health policy development.
  • ProQuest One Business- includes full text articles, reports, books and videos covering all aspects of business and marketing.
  • PsycINFO - from the American Psychological Association, it covers all fields of psychology and neuroscience.
  • Race Relations Abstracts - multi disciplinary coverage of racial and ethnic studies including: sociology, law, immigration and discrimination.
  • SocINDEX Full Text - in-depth coverage of sociology. Also contains materials related to criminology, gender studies, ethnic and racial studies.

For better search results, check each database's Help section for guidance on effective search strategies.

Further subject databases

For more recommended databases for each subject, visit the Database Search list on Library Search and use the databases by category filters.

Get further help

If you need assistance with choosing or using databases, get in touch with a librarian.