Introduction to the School of Social Sciences
Our aim is to ensure that our students develop skills that are recognised and valued by employers as well as giving students the confidence, knowledge and skills to develop and succeed in life and your career.
The School of Social Sciences offers far-reaching courses with diversity of choice, and real development opportunities, underpinned by high quality specialist lecturers. The School offers a diverse range of applied programmes in Psychology, Law, History, Media Studies, Policing, Probation, Housing, Supported Living, Urban Development and Sustainability, Sociology, Criminology, Politics, American Studies, Human Geography and Philosophy.
Key facts
We offer high levels of student satisfaction; teaching is underpinned by research excellence and staff whose abilities are nationally and internationally recognised. We are one of a select group of leading edge providers of training in Police and Probation Practice. The School is home to the prestigious new Northampton Institute for Urban Affairs (NIUA), and History hosting the equally respected Victoria Community History Centre. Our learning goes far beyond the campus, with international exchange trips for American Studies and Human Geography.
Specialist facilities
Within the school the new ‘Social Sciences Hub’, offers a modern, relaxed café style, internet enabled environment for students and staff to meet and work. Top class lab facilities with specialist resources offer top psychology standards and 2008 sees a brand new Mooting/Court Room for Law and Criminal Justice Studies.
Success within the School
Over 30 PhD students, new Community Researchers, major contracts to support innovations in learning and teaching from the Higher Education Academy Subject Centre Network and the new Police and Probation Foundation Degrees demonstrate our current relevance and success.
Research
The School's research excellence is demonstrated by our RAE 2008 profile. The History Division received the highest RAE outcome obtained by the University of Northampton, with 85% of its research activity being of international quality. The Centre for Children and Youth (part of the Northampton Institute for Urban Affairs) and the subjects of Sociology, Philosophy and Psychology also made significant contributions to other RAE entries. The School is proud of its RAE achievements and will continue to expand its thriving research and knowledge transfer endeavours.
Another research centre of excellence located in the School is the Centre for the Study of Anomalous Psychological Processes (CSAPP). CSAPP is the world's largest university based research group that specialises in transpersonal psychology and parapsychological research.
Any professional accreditation/links with industry
Students learn and work with many organizations, such as Police, Probation, Citizen Advice, Hostels, Health and Psychological services. Politics and Sociology offer a unique opportunity to work with MP’s in the House of Commons. We have extensive links with professional bodies and sector skills councils. Psychology majors are eligible for the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) from the British Psychological Society, leading to further training as professional psychologists, clinical or occupational psychology. LLB graduates are recognised by the Law Society and the Bar Council as the first step to qualifying as a solicitor or barrister. Police and Probation students will meet the professional body requirements for employment in these sectors.
“Working together and constantly striving for excellence.”
Chris Moore, Dean of the School of Social Sciences
