School of Social Sciences and Humanities
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 from the Dean of School, Dr 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.
- Foundation Programme in Social Sciences
If you haven't quite made the entry grades for our undergraduate degree programmes, it doesn't have to be the end of your journey with us.
Students who successfully complete the Foundation Programme in Social Sciences can progress onto any of the following degrees within the School of Social Sciences and Humanities:
Foundation progression options BA (Hons) English Language BA (Hons) English Language and Literature BSc (Hons) English and Sociology BSc (Hons) History and English BSc (Hons) History and International Relations BSc (Hons) History and Politics BSc (Hons) International Relations and Social Policy BSc (Hons) International Relations and Sociology BSc (Hons) Politics and Social Policy BSc (Hons) Politics and Sociology BSc (Hons) Politics with International Relations BSc (Hons) Sociology BSc (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy - 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) Business Management and Social Policy BSc (Hons) Economics and Politics BA (Hons) English Language BA (Hons) English Language and Literature BSc (Hons) English and Sociology BSc (Hons) History and English BSc (Hons) History and International Relations BSc (Hons) History and Politics BSc (Hons) International Relations and Social Policy BSc (Hons) International Relations and Sociology BSc (Hons) Politics and Social Policy BSc (Hons) Politics and Sociology BSc (Hons) Politics with International Relations BSc (Hons) Sociology BSc (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy We also offer the Foundation Programme in Social Sciences.
- Postgraduate courses
We also welcome applications for our doctoral programme in any of the research areas covered by our School.
