Research in sociology, anthropology, international relations and politics
internationally leading interdisciplinary research tackling some of the most pressing societal challenges
We are a group of researchers who undertake internationally leading interdisciplinary research tackling some of the most pressing societal challenges facing the globe including health inequalities; climate change communication; nationalism and political unrest; and development aid. In the most recent assessment of research excellence (REF2021) 86% of our research was judged to be ‘world class’ or ‘internationally excellent’ and we are ranked 8th in the country for research impact. We work closely with colleagues in the Sustainable Earth Institute and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research.
We have particular strengths in digital culture and research methodology including ethnography, photo-elicitation and discourse analysis, as well as the analysis of large data-sets using synthetic estimation and microsimulation. The Methodological Innovations research group is focused on supporting and improving the understanding and application of contemporary approaches to the research of the social world. Members of the team founded the Sage journal, Methodological Innovations. We have a regular seminar series and welcome enquiries from prospective PhD students.
Research highlights
Our researchers
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Professor Alison Anderson
Professor in Sociology
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Dr David Brockington
Lecturer in Politics (Education)
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Dr Brian Campbell
Lecturer in Anthropology
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Dr Lorenzo Cladi
Lecturer in International Relations
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Professor Karl Cordell
Emeritus Professor
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Dr Jonathan Clark
Lecturer in Sociology (Social and Political Thought)
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Dr Lyvinia Elleschild
Lecturer in Sociology (Education)
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Mr James Goulbourn
Lecturer in Politics & International Relations (Education)
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Professor Gayle Letherby
Associate Lecturer
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Dr Patrick Holden
Associate Professor (Reader)
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Dr Shabnam Holliday
Associate Professor in International Relations
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Dr Julie Parsons
Associate Head of School for Criminology, Sociology, Anthropology
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Dr Piers Revell
Lecturer in International Relations (Education)
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Professor John Scott CBE FBA
Emeritus Professor
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Dr Mike Sheaff
Associate Lecturer
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Dr Ivan Tacey
Lecturer in Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology
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Dr Eric Taylor Woods
Associate Professor in Sociology
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Dr Hannah Theaker
Lecturer in History and Politics
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Mrs Theresa Waight
Lecturer in Social Science & Law
Postgraduate research opportunities
Related articles
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New book reveals rise of ethnic nationalism in Western democratic politics
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Trump has put down his racist dog whistle and picked up a bull horn (The Conversation)
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Taxing times: the G7 and international economic cooperation
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Coastal communities and social policy
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Sociologist calls for national improvements on criminal rehabilitation
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Out of this world
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International surveillance system for coping with zoonotic pandemics needs greater attention
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International Relations in an era of dynamic global change
Digital research repository
The School of Society and Culture (SSC) is home to a diverse collection of researchers working in the social sciences, humanities and performing arts. We’re dedicated to advancing knowledge for public benefit, driving meaningful change in our society and enriching communities (be they near us or an ocean away). Visit our our digital repository of staff research to watch short videos from academics working across the School’s disciplines: Anthropology, Art History, Computer Music, Creative Writing, Criminology, English, Environmental Cultures, Heritage, History, International Relations, Law, Music, Politics, Sociology, Theatre and Performance.