• TOP 20

    in the UK

    for economics and statistics. Source: QS World Rankings 2023.

  • Bronze Athena Swan Award

    We’ve been recognised for our ongoing commitment to addressing gender inequality.

  • TOP 12

    in the UK for research

    for both gerontology and demography. Source: EduRank, 2023

Overview

About the School

The School of Economic, Social and Political Sciences is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences and dedicated to produce impactful research that addresses major societal challenges and to deliver high-quality education and learning shaping the next generation of social scientists.


Our Departments regularly feature in top UK rankings in terms of research and teaching.

Our research

Our five departments are recognised centers of excellence for research and teaching. Our academics develop and apply advanced methods and analyses to address pressing societal issues. 

Common-interest themes such as migration, health, crime, and human rights serve as platforms for developing multidisciplinary collaborations between departments.

The School is home to the Centre for Population Change/Connecting Generations and the National Centre for Research Methods, both funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. Our academics have forged collaborations with researchers, industries, and governments worldwide.

Our impact

We work closely with governments and organisations to carry out research that makes a significant impact on society.

Research conducted across our departments has helped to:


  • Develop a new way to inform international student migration policy
  • Give displaced women and girls a voice
  • Improve maternal and neonatal health
  • Improve the lives of older people

To find out more about our impact, select ‘Future societies and communities’ on the University's Research Impact pages.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Principles of equality, diversity and inclusion are at the core of everything we do. The School’s Bronze Athena Swan (Scientific Women's Academic Network) award recognises our commitment to this mission.

Visit our Athena Swan page to learn more about:

  • our Athena Swan committee
  • news, policies and support
  • interviews with staff members

Our departments

Find out more about each of our departments, including their research focuses, courses, staff, community and enterprise activities and more.

Community engagement

Our departments are engaged in community outreach efforts to effect positive change. The Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology’s Social Impact Lab is one example. The Department of Economics also has a range of outreach programmes.

Our research community

Find out about the school’s research centres and groups, including their publications, people and.highlights and details of their research projects.

People

Work with us

  • A smiling lecturer leads a small class in the financial laboratory

    Jobs at Southampton

    Explore employment opportunities at the University, including possible openings within the School of Economic, Social and Political Sciences.

Contact us

Talk to us, we're happy to help

You can contact us by:
Building 58, University of SouthamptonSouthampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ
We’re open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm UK time.