Department of Society and Politics

Welcome

We are a strong team of academic researchers and teachers who are focused on engaging constructively with some of the major issues facing the world today. Our Department seeks to advance knowledge and public understanding of society, politics and international relations through research and teaching at the highest levels of our disciplines. We have a particular focus on applied policy research, and are dedicated to connecting our insights with those groups in society who can benefit from our analyses.

The Department’s strengths are wide-ranging across the disciplines of sociology, politics and international relations. We focus on collaboration with external stakeholders and our team of researchers is committed to delivering insightful analysis which generates significant social science impact, helping to shape thinking on pressing public policy issues. We are home to three thriving Research Centres: the Aston Centre for Europe (ACE), the Centre for Health and Society and the Centre for Migration and Forced Displacement.

Alongside this, we have expert specialisms in issues around Gender and Sexuality, Media, Culture and Inequalities, as well as Citizenship and Social Justice. Our newest research focus considers the multiple ways in which the rise of digital cultures has disrupted existing forms of social and political organisation. Our research informs our teaching curriculum.

We value excellence and innovation in both our scholarship and in our teaching. The mission of our teaching is to equip students with the skills necessary to understand and to tackle social and political problems, and to prepare students for a diverse range of fulfilling careers. As a Department, we aspire to be leaders in diversity, equality and inclusion efforts in our research, teaching and public engagement.

Whether you are interested in studying on one of our undergraduate or postgraduate degree programmes, or consulting with our experts, we welcome your enquiry.

Courses

Undergraduate

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

Postgraduate

Research institutes

• Aston Centre for Europe (ACE)
• Centre for Health and Society
• Centre for Migration and Forced Displacement