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School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature (SASSHPL)

Explore the teaching and research taking place within SASSHPL

In the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature (SASSHPL), we have a relentless curiosity about the world and its people. 

Our subjects are wide-ranging but tied together by a common aim. They seek to better understand humanity through its past and present, to fathom implications for its future. We help our students, researchers and academics thrive as global citizens who can make sense of the world, figure out their place in it, and collaborate with others to help make it a better place.

Our culture is built on accountability, fairness, integrity and transparency. We value equality, inclusion and authentic professional and personal development.

Our courses reflect our interdisciplinary expertise in research, teaching and learning, and ensure all of our students realise their potential and ability to shape their careers after study.

Alongside expert academics driven by passion for their specialisms, our students learn how to anticipate change coming – socially, politically, culturally, economically. They graduate with qualifications, skills and perspectives attractive to employers across an enormous range of careers.

The University of Portsmouth is the top modern university in the country for Area Studies*

What is area studies?

Area studies is the name given to the collective disciplines of international relations, history, politics, sociology, economies, cultures, languages and geography across specific regions of the world.

Whether its investigating Europe's relationship with Russia, exploring the history of the American civil rights movement or studying the causes of conflict in West Africa, area studies helps us decipher the ways in which the world works.

*Research Excellence Framework 2021

Teaching

We offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses, both on campus and via distance learning. We're incredibly invested in our students and in delivering innovative, research-led courses that help them achieve their goals.

Our academic and professional staff are research active and bring their ever-evolving fields of knowledge to each new cohort they teach. They also have close ties with our local community — including employers — so we can offer our students opportunities for work placements, internships, and work-based learning.

We support our students every step of the way, from establishing core skills in the first year to developing specialisms and fostering their interests and independent ideas. Through a range of assessment methods, from the traditional essay and presentations to podcasts, creative assessments and portfolios, our graduates embark on customised careers with real-world impact.

Our teaching areas

Explore the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees we offer within the following areas.

English literature 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, international relations and international development 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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Sociology courses

Explore societies and social systems to discover why the world is organised and structured the way it is and why social inequalities persist.
Two students in discussion outside
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Partnerships and collaborations

SASSHPL has school-wide partnerships with the University of Halmstad, Sweden and the University of Caen, France, with links for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to study and research overseas.

We draw on the expertise of a diverse range of local and national organisations to enrich the teaching experience we offer, including Lloyd's Register Foundation, Friends Without Borders, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the Portsmouth Museum and Records Service, and Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Services (PARCS).

We also have ongoing Holocaust education collaborations with Mayville High School, Portsmouth High School, the D-Day Story, and Portsmouth City Council.

Research

Our research covers multiple disciplines and aligns with the University’s strategic research themes of democratic citizenship, health and wellbeing, sustainability and the environment, security and risk, and future and emerging technologies.

We're proud of our research culture, which we've developed through a strong commitment to scholarship and publication. We offer postgraduate research opportunities on Area Studies, SociologyHistoryLiterary Studies and Politics and International Relations.

We've worked with a range of organisations through our research projects including the Imperial War Museum, Forceswatch, ichange21, Vegan Society, Friends Without Borders, Connect Futures, and Journeys Festival International. 

Our research areas

Explore the work we're doing across the research areas that sit within the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature (SASSHPL).

Area studies

We're exploring international relations, history, politics, economies, cultures, languages and geography across specific regions.

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Identities and inequalities

We're asking questions around who we are, who is different from us, and who we want to be, to challenge structural violence and reduce inequality.

Boy in Delhi, India, collecting rubbish
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Sociology of culture

We're probing the link between culture and power, confronting societal issues, and looking at the ideological function of culture in naturalising them.

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Social research methods

We're investigating the different methods, tools and techniques for studying social phenomena and generating information and data about all aspects of social life.

People meeting in a room at University of Portsmouth
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Social theory

We're drawing on classical and contemporary social thought, philosophy, political economy, social anthropology, and history to explain and analyse social processes, issues, and concerns.

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History

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

Young girls on a march in Eastern Europe
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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.

Kamala Harris and Emmanuel Macron
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English literature

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

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Our research centres

Much of our exceptional research takes place within the following cross-disciplinary research centres.

Centre for European and International Studies Research

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

European union flags
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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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Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures

The Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures focuses on the past, present and future importance of urban-maritime cultures and communities within a global context.

Centre of Port Cities and Maritime Cultures Photos
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Research project highlights

James Robert Ryan Portrait

Media ready expert

Professor James Ryan

Head of School

James.Ryan@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Mathias Seiter Portrait

Dr Mathias Seiter

Associate Head (Academic)

Mathias.Seiter@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Melita Elizabeth Lazell Portrait

Media ready expert

Dr Melita Lazell

Associate Head (Research)

melita.lazell@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Thomas George Rodgers Portrait

Dr Thomas Rodgers

Associate Head (Students)

thomas.rodgers@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Christine Berberich Portrait

Media ready expert

Dr Christine Berberich

Associate Head (Global Engagement)

Christine.Berberich@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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SASSHPL news and blogs 

Latest news

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scene from the ‘Art and Gender in South Sudan’ animation

Portsmouth professors on display at the British Academy Summer Showcase 2023

16 June 2023

Portsmouth professors on display at the British Academy Summer Showcase 2023
Cinematic shot inside a clothes store - Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash

Fair Trade SMEs are challenging fast fashion’s unfair purchasing practices

15 May 2023

Fair Trade SMEs are challenging fast fashion’s unfair purchasing practices
Line of books

Portsmouth Professor's book listed in FT's "The books to read in 2023"

9 May 2023

Portsmouth Professor's book listed in FT's "The books to read in 2023"
Chain Testing Dept Group Photo 1917_ credit Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust

Uncovering the forgotten but crucial role of female workers during WW1 in Portsmouth

29 March 2023

Uncovering the forgotten but crucial role of female workers during WW1 in Portsmouth
Black and white picture of a man crossing train tracks in front of two trains.

Major new record of railway accidents and how they were supported by trade unions made public

28 March 2023

Major new record of railway accidents and how they were supported by trade unions made public

Latest blogs

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Picture of three EU flags - Photo by Christian Lue on Unsplash

The signs that the EU has completely changed its perspective on adding new members since Russia invaded Ukraine

The signs that the EU has completely changed its perspective on adding new members since Russia invaded Ukraine
Calendar with life solved logo and introduction title

The history of the weekend - should they be longer?

The history of the weekend - should they be longer?
Royalty free image downloaded from Pexels

Only Murders in the Building is a loving parody of the whodunit

Christopher Pittard

Only Murders in the Building is a loving parody of the whodunit
Creative Writing Southsea Library. September 2019

Six must-read summer fiction books – reviewed by our experts

Christopher Pittard

Six must-read summer fiction books – reviewed by our experts
Three people carrying fire wood on their heads - Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Rising sexual violence in Sudan conflict reflects entrenched patriarchy – but women and girls are fighting back

Tamsin Bradley

Rising sexual violence in Sudan conflict reflects entrenched patriarchy – but women and girls are fighting back

Explore our faculty

Explore the other schools and departments that make up our faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

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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School of Education, Languages and Linguistics

Explore the School of Education, Languages and Linguistics, and learn more about the teaching and research activities that take place within the school.

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Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Explore more about the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, teaching and research activities taking place across the faculty's four schools and institutes.

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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