Research
The School for Policy Studies is a world-renowned centre for research into the theory, practice and implementation of social and public policy. Our research addresses some of society's most pressing challenges, examining the causes of social problems and developing evidence that informs policy and practice. Read more about our research ethos.
Our work
Our work spans poverty, health, care, social harm, governance, inequalities and wellbeing, drawing on expertise across:
- social and public policy
- social work
- childhood studies
- disability studies
- criminology
- social gerontology
- public health
This multidisciplinary approach enables us to generate research that is both academically rigorous and directly relevant to policy and practice.
Our centres and groups
Our research is organised around four interdisciplinary research centres, which provide intellectual leadership, foster collaboration and support our researchers and postgraduate community. Alongside these, the School is home to two specialist research centres with long-established international reputations and six research groups that reflect the breadth and diversity of our expertise.
Research centres
- Governance and Public Policy
- Inequalities and Social Welfare
- Health, Social Care and Disability
- Social Harm, Crime and Violence
Specialist research centres
Research groups
- International Children’s Rights, Welfare and Policy Research Group
- Migration, Borders and Policy Research Group
- Norah Fry Centre for Disability Studies
- Safeguarding: Policy and Practice
- Social Work
- Housing and Urban Studies
- Inequalities, Families and Social Welfare States
Additional resources
Explore our current research projects, impact, and opportunities for collaboration.