Skip to main content

About us

Internationally Recognised for Teaching and Research on Social and Public Policy

  • 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.
  • We are ranked #1 in the UK for Social Policy (Complete University Guide Rankings by Subject 2027)
  • We also ranked among the top four globally for Social Policy and Administration in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
  • In REF 2021, 99% of the department’s research outputs (articles, books, etc.) were rated world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*), achieving the highest overall score of any unit in UK higher education submitted under the Social Work and Social Policy Unit of Assessment.
  • The Department is today distinguished by its multidisciplinarity, its international and comparative approach, and its particular strengths in behavioural public policy, criminology, criminal justice policy, development, economic and social inequality, education, migration, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international social policy and international public policy.
  • Our international faculty 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.