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Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Take a closer look at the teaching and research taking place across our faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

In the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, our four departments deliver courses and conduct research in a wide variety of humanities and social sciences subjects. We're home to more than 200 staff and 6,000 students from the UK, EU, and overseas.

Our research explores themes across a host of subjects within the faculty, which informs the teaching and supervision of our students. We also support academic staff to develop partnerships and consultancy activities with public and private enterprise.

We engage with the world beyond our University, ensuring that our students are fully prepared for the careers they wish to pursue. We opened the Placement and Internship Centre in 2013, and most of our courses offer placement years.

Our teaching is supported by the latest technology, with learning resources created in partnership between academics and experienced online course developers.

The Faculty is located in four different buildings around the compact city centre campus: Park Building, Milldam, St George’s Building and Ravelin House.

Explore our faculty

Teaching

Our teaching areas

Childhood, youth studies and education courses

Want a rewarding career shaping how children and young people learn and develop? Choose one of our childhood, youth studies and education courses.

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Criminology and forensic studies courses

Find out about studying a Criminology degree at one of the largest criminology departments in the country.

Criminal investigation equipment
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English and creative writing courses

Writing has the power to transport readers and listeners to an entirely different time and place. Tailor your studies to suit your goals, and graduate with the knowledge and skills find your dream career.

English student holding books
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History, politics and international relations courses

Get the skills, knowledge and opportunities to develop a deep understanding of human behaviour, culture and society, and how they interact.

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Languages courses

Develop an in-demand skill set, and get a deeper insight into the culture, history and politics of another country, with a Languages degree.

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Research

Our research areas

Explore the research work we're doing within the faculty – across areas including English Literature, Linguistics, History, Criminology, Education, Area Studies and Sociology.

Area studies

We're exploring international relations, history, politics, economies, cultures, languages and geography across specific regions. Explore our area studies research.

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Criminology

We're researching how to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute crime to keep up with the changing nature of criminal behaviour. Explore our criminology research.

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Development Studies

We're working with governments, communities and people to encourage growth in stagnant economies, and to develop the sustainable technology to provide resources to developing countries. Learn more about our development studies research.

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Education

We're researching what education looks like for different groups of people around the globe, while pushing for social justice and the human rights agenda worldwide. Explore our education research.

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English literature

We're researching how literature provides insight and understanding into the lives of other individuals, communities and cultures. Explore our english literature research.

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History

We're understanding our society through the study of experiences, culture, values and activities of people throughout history. Explore our history research.

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Languages and Applied Linguistics

We're looking beyond words to explore how they're used in certain contexts, and the relationship words can have with social constructs such as class or power. Explore our languages and applied linguistics research.

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Politics and international relations

We're exploring pressing issues in politics and international relations and working with organisations, governments and individuals to find solutions. Explore our politics and international relations research.

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Sociology

We're studying the patterns of relationships, social interaction, cultures and communities, and how people live their lives. Explore our sociology research.

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Women's and Gender Studies

We're exploring women’s issues and gender issues in social and cultural contexts through time, and how gender is represented in the media. Explore our women's and gender studies research.

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Our research centres

Much of our exceptional research takes place within the following research centres – find out more below.

Centre for European and International Studies Research

We're researching topics such as citizenship, race, language across borders, social theory and transnational politics.

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Centre for Studies in Literature

We're researching the history and culture of the English speaking world through literature.

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School of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Read more about the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and explore the teaching and research activities that take place within it.

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Anne Louise Murphy Portrait

Professor Anne Murphy

Executive Dean and Professor of History

Anne.Murphy@port.ac.uk

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Jane Creaton Portrait

Professor Jane Creaton

Professor of Higher Education

Jane.Creaton@port.ac.uk

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Francis Jakob Pakes Portrait

Professor Francis Pakes

Professor of Criminology

Francis.Pakes@port.ac.uk

School of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Mary Williams Portrait

Ms Mary Williams

Associate Dean (Students)

Mary.Williams@port.ac.uk

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Contact us

To get in touch, please contact our Faculty office.

Phone: +44 (0)23 9284 2992

Email: hss-enquiries@port.ac.uk