About us

Internationally Recognised for Teaching and Research on Social and Public Policy

• We are ranked #1 in the UK for Social Policy (Complete University Guide Rankings by Subject 2026)
• The Department of Social Policy is an internationally recognised centre of research and teaching in social and public policy. From its founding in 1912, it has conducted cutting-edge research on core social issues and contributed to the development of policy solutions.
• The Department is today distinguished by its multidisciplinarity, its international and comparative approach, and its particular strengths in behavioural public policy, criminology, development, economic and social inequality, education, migration, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and population change and the life course.
• Our have backgrounds in anthropology, demography, economics, political science, sociology, as well as social and public policy. Their interests cover policies and issues in high and low, and middle-income countries. Our pedagogical approach is research-led and inclusive, focused on policy problems and solutions, using applications from around the world, and maximising opportunities for student learning.
• Our alumni can be found in government positions in numerous countries, in national and international NGOs, in the private sector and consulting, in public sector organisations, and at universities across the world.