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

Professor Alison Anderson Media politics and environmental debates
 Professor of Sociology Alison Anderson's research expertise is in the area of science communication including mass media and culture, risk, nanotechnologies, marine pollution and environmental sustainability.

Julie Parsons Finishing Time and Moving on: Life after punishment
 For the last seven years, Julie has been lucky enough to work on a series of funded research projects at Landworks - a resettlement and rehabilitation project that works with prisoners and people at risk of going to prison

Edited image of Eric Taylor Woods book. Ethnicity, nationalism, identity
 Dr Eric Taylor Woods’ research examines the intersections of culture, media, and politics with a focus on how these phenomena relate to ethnicity and nationalism. His most recent book aims to understand the resurgence of ethnic nationalism in the West.

Globe by Kyle Glenn International Relations in an era of dynamic global change
 Dr Patrick Holden is a renowned expert in the field of International Relations. He talks about what drew him to the subject and how it helps to reveal the world in a new light

Coastal Communities coastal definition, the Hoe, seafront, waves, Plymouth sound Centre for Coastal Communities
 Finding solutions to the challenges facing coastal communities

Globe Plymouth International Studies Centre Seminar Series
 Research seminars focusing on topical aspects of contemporary global politics

Methodological Innovations Methodological Innovations
 Research group focused on supporting and improving the understanding and application of contemporary approaches to the research of the social world

Our researchers

Postgraduate research opportunities

Related articles

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.