Making a difference to society is at the heart of everything we do at the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. It’s what helps us create a better world, and is also how we embrace diversity to grow understanding, and build opportunities.  

We strive to offer our students a quality education that supports their graduate outcomes and their future choices. We operate at the heart of a dynamic, diverse and global city, offering our expertise to businesses and professions by shaping our placement students and graduates, and by working in partnership with organisations and authorities.

In addition, our research is applied, impactful and recognised as excellent – both in national and international contexts. In the latest Research Excellence Framework, 76% of our research outputs were rated world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). For our research impact case studies, 72% were judged to have reach and significance that was outstanding (4*) or very considerable (3*).

We are a closely integrated, innovative, multilingual and multidisciplinary school with an international outlook. This is closely reflected in our degree programmes, which combine a rigorous disciplinary grounding with cross-disciplinary, practical and issue-focused perspectives, from foundation level all the way to doctoral awards.

Welcome to our School

Watch this welcome video from our Dean of School, Dr Virginie Grzelczyk

Welcome from the Dean of School, Dr Virginie Grzelczyk
Head of School Virginie Grzelczyk

 

There is never a better time to learn about the world than today.

As the Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), it is my pleasure to welcome you!

Whether you’re thinking of studying with us, joining us as a staff member, considering our school to further your research agenda, or partnering with us as a business or organisation to help shape a better future, I’m certain that you’ll find our community to be a supportive, vibrant and exciting.

Our school was established as a pioneer in the study of languages and contemporary society. Today, it has expanded well beyond its original remit, and comprises three academic departments.

We focus on understanding society and changing it for the better. Our research and impact activities are crystallised via our five research centres within the School.

In addition to these research centres, we are also home to the Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics (AIFL).

We work closely with schools and local partners, both through our research centres and through Routes into Languages.

We also play a major role in the University’s Forward 2020 strategy, through the Languages for All programme, our research, placements and our high levels of student satisfaction.

Finally, we are particularly proud of our new Athena Swan Bronze award – a global recognition that celebrates our commitment and advancement in terms of gender equality, both in teaching, and in research.

So, come on board, and help us shape your future!

Dr Virginie Grzelczyk

Our courses are designed in close partnership with employers to prepare graduates to enter the world of work with highly relevant skills and knowledge. Explore our range of undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD and foundation programmes.

Undergraduate courses
 Undergraduate programmes
BSc (Hons)Business and International Relations
BSc (Hons)Business and Politics
BSc (Hons)Business and Sociology
BSc (Hons)Business Management and English Language
BSc (Hons)Economics and Politics
BA (Hons)English Language
BA (Hons)English Language and Literature
BSc (Hons)English and Sociology
BA (Hons)History
BSc (Hons)History and English
BSc (Hons)History and International Relations
BSc (Hons)History and Politics
BSc (Hons)International Development Management
BSc (Hons)International Relations and Sociology
BSc (Hons)Politics and Sociology
BSc (Hons)Politics with International Relations
BSc (Hons)Sociology

We also offer the Foundation Programme in Business and Social Science.

Postgraduate courses
 Postgraduate programmes
MAEnglish
MAEnglish (Distance Learning)
MAForensic Linguistics
MAForensic Linguistics (Distance Learning)
MScInternational Relations
MATESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
MATESOL (Distance Learning)
MPHPublic Health

We also welcome applications for our doctoral programme in any of the research areas covered by our School.

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