From this page you can find out all the latest news and information about upcoming events at the HaSS faculty.

Please note that all items are listed according to date of publication.

The Future of Criminal Justice & Sentencing: Is there Hope? Public Event

Centre for Law, Crime & Justice, Strathclyde University, Glasgow city centre. www.strath.ac.uk/clcj
Monday 21st May 5.30 for 6-7.30pm

The Honourable Judge Professor Nancy Gertner (Harvard University USA) and Professor Arie Freiberg (Monash University, Australia
Chair: Sheriff Tom Welsh QC

Can the criminal justice system command a higher level of public trust? Around the world, levels of public confidence in the criminal justice system appear to be worryingly low and in decline. In an effort to pose as ‘tough on crime’, many countries have responded ever-more punitively, imposing mandatory minimum sentences, and squeezing professional discretion. The result is: spiralling prison populations, inequalities, and a drift to more public money being spent on incarceration than on education. And all of this has been done in the name of the public and yet has failed to improve ublic confidence – often the reverse.

Is there be better way, or, should Scotland accept that trust in the justice system is in inevitable decline? Can we find a way to pursue a rational approach to crime and punishment which attracts public confidence, or, at the very least, is not held to ransom by penal populism?

The Hon Judge Professor Gertner and Professor Freiberg will explore these issues followed by Q&A chaired by Sheriff Tom Welsh QC, Director of Judicial Studies.

All welcome but booking is essential.

Email: carol.hutton@strath.ac.uk

Full details at www.strath.ac.uk/clcj 'events' or at http://bit.ly/Jo2HAN

The event also launches the new Strathclyde Master's programme in Criminal Justice & Penal Change. Learn More: www.strath.ac.uk/ls-cjpc-e

Prisons & Imprisonment: Restriction of Liberty, Rights, Responsibility and Rehabiliation.

SASO Conference. Monday 14th May. Strathclyde University 09.30-16.30

You are invited to take part in a major conference on prisons and imprisonment held at Strathclyde University. The future of imprisonment is once again under the spotlight following the launch of the official Commission on Women's Offending which calls for radical reform in the ways in which both male and female offending is addressed.
There will be an opportunity for you to put your questions to the renowned speakers. The conference will be attended by leading Scottish criminal law and justice practitioners and policy officials. Interested students are strongly encouraged to take part in this unqiue event being held at Strathclyde.

For more information go to www.strath.ac.uk/clcj and click on ‘events’ or www.sastudyoffending.org.uk/GlasgowconfPrisonsetc2012.pdf

Closely Related: Strathclyde Law School is running the UK's first LLM / MSc in Criminal Justice & Penal Change. To Learn more Click Here

CPD for Solicitors, Advocates and Panel Members. Reduced rates for students/unwaged.



No 2 in the UK and No1 in Scotland

Social Work at The University of Strathclyde was placed top in Scotland and 2nd in the UK in the Complete University Guide

June and September Open Days for Undergraduate Students.

Wednesday 13 June from 1– 4pm
Monday 3 September from 6-8pm
Tuesday 4 September from 9.30am-2.30pm

These events are an opportunity to find out more about the courses that you are interested in, speak to current students and staff and sample what the campus has to offer. 

Visit the Open Days webpage for more information and to register.  We look forward to welcoming you to Strathclyde!

Gold STAR for School of Education

Students of the School of Education have been commended for their valuable work at a University-wide event that celebrates volunteering in clubs and societies. The CPD in Education Society scooped the STAR Award and trophy for ‘Best New Club’ and dedicated student Katy Gourlay was shortlisted ‘Best New Comer’ for her charity work in Malawi.

Last semester the CPD in Education Society organised what is thought to be one of the UK's largest student Teach Meets, bringing together over 200 delegates including student teachers and leading professionals from education authorities. Katy’s extensive charity work has involved fundraising activities and visits to Malawi to promote a better quality of life for children and young people.

Commenting on the success of the students, Professor Donald Christie, Head of School of Education said:

"I am extremely proud of our innovative and socially conscious student community. The work that they do has a valuable impact in communitues and enhances the student experience for their peers".

The STAR Awards are organised by the University of Strathclyde Student Union (USSA) and attracted an audience of students and staff across the University.

A Criminal Justice Revolution? Tough Love and Problem-Solving Justice

How should the criminal justice system tackle crime? As research repeatedly shows and practitioners know all too well, problems, such as alcohol and drug addiction, play a major role in chronic levels of reoffending. In view of the ‘revolving doors’ of the courts and prisons, this public lecture asks whether it is time for a radically different approach?

The film of the public lecture and the fascinating audience discussion is now available.

Award of RSE Fellowship to John Bachtler

Professor John Bachtler has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship by the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) in recognition of his work on regional studies in Europe. The RSE currently has more than 1,500 fellows and makes fellowship awards which reflect its mission to “advance learning and useful knowledge.” Welcoming the new Fellows elected in 2012, Sir John Arbuthnott, President of the RSE, said: “In my first year as President, I am pleased to welcome such a talented group of people to the RSE. Each new Fellow has achieved excellence in her or his field of work, whether in academia, public service or business".

John is Director of the European Policies Research Centre (EPRC).  He said: “I am honoured and very pleased to become a Fellow of the RSE. The Society plays a major role in encouraging public discussion and learning on international matters, and I look forward to contributing to the work of the RSE on European policy issues”

A Criminal Justice Revolution?

‘Tough Love,’ Problem-Solving Courts and Community Justice

Prof Eric J Miller (St Louis University USA)

Chaired by the Rt Hon Professor Dame Elish Angiolini

Wednesday 14 March 2012, 5.45pm for 6.15pm, Collins Suite

How should the criminal justice system tackle crime? As research repeatedly shows and practitioners know all too well, problems, such as alcohol and drug addiction, play a major role in chronic levels of reoffending. In view of the ‘revolving doors’ of the courts and prisons, is it time for a radically different approach?

Tea will be served from 5.45pm with the lecture starting at 6.15pm prompt.  Due to demand, booking is essential.  To reserve a place please email carol.hutton@strath.ac.uk

Further details regarding the public lecture are available here.

Second Annual Lecture of the School of Government and Public Policy
‘How to Win EU Friends and Influence Policy’

Thursday 1 March 2012, 5.00pm, Collins Suite

Distinguished Public Servant The (Rt. Hon The) Lord Kerr of Kinlochard will present the Second Annual Lecture of the School of Government and Public Policy.

The School of Government and Public Policy combines the policy relevant research of the prestigious European Policies Research Centre with internationally acclaimed research in political science and public policy and excellence in undergraduate and postgraduate politics teaching.

Lord Kerr’s presentation ‘How to Win EU Friend’s and Influence Policy’ will draw on his international experiences in the British Diplomatic Service combined with his business career in fulfilling a number of Chair positions in the Oil and Gas sectors.

Following postings in Moscow and in Pakistan, Lord Kerr served as ambassador and UK Permanent Representative to the European Communities (1990-95) and as UK Ambassador to Washington (1995-1997). From 1997-2002, Lord Kerr was Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCO and Head of the Diplomatic Service. After leaving UK Government service, he was Secretary General of the European Convention in 2002/3. Lord Kerr has been Chairman of Imperial College London (2005-11) and is currently Chairman, Centre for European Reform (London); Vice President, European Policy Centre (Brussels); President, UK/Korea "Forum for the Future" (London/Seoul); and Trustee, Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland (Dunfermline). 

In his business career, Lord Kerr became a Director of Shell Transport and Trading in 2002, and chaired the group of Directors who brought about the creation in 2005 of Royal Dutch Shell plc, of which he became, and remains, Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director. He has been a Director of the Scottish American Investment Trust since 2002, of Rio Tinto plc since 2003, and of Scottish Power Ltd since 2009.

The event offers members of the public, students, colleagues within the University and from partnering institutions the opportunity to come together and learn more about the current work of the School of Government and Public Policy in shaping international policies.

Coffee will be served from 4.15pm with a post lecture reception from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Please RSVP to Alyson.ross@strath.ac.uk as places are limited.

Carnegie Trust Report:  Better Journalism in the Digital Age

Blair Jenkins OBE, HaSS Visiting Professor in Journalism, will be speaking at Strathclyde on Tuesday February 7, on his new report on the future of journalism.

 The report, Better Journalism in the Digital Age, calls for higher ethical and editorial standards in the profession and makes recommendations on practical steps to strengthen the supply of high-quality news and information.

Mr Jenkins will meet Postgraduate Journalism students to speak about the purpose and the findings of his report and will take questions about his detailed recommendations. The report makes recommendations on press regulation, industry codes of conduct, public service broadcasting, new funding models for journalism, professional training and education and the impact of new technology.

The talk, which is open to staff and students, will be held in the Newsroom, 7th floor, Livingstone Tower on Tuesday at 3pm. The report will be published on Monday, 6 February by the Carnegie UK Trust, of which Mr Jenkins is a fellow.

Blair Jenkins OBE has been Director of Broadcasting at Scottish Television (STV), and Head of News and Current Affairs at both STV and BBC Scotland. He chaired the Scottish Broadcasting Commis­sion in 2007-8 and more recently the Scottish Digital Network Panel. In 2010 he was made an OBE for services to broadcasting.

Join Us: Postgraduate Studentship Opportunities for 2012

The Graduate School in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is one of the leading centres of postgraduate research in the UK. It has a thriving postgraduate community and can provide research supervision across the range of Humanities and Social Science disciplines.

We are looking for energetic and ambitious applicants who wish to become part of an innovative research community at one of the world’s leading international technological universities.

The Graduate School are now offering the following PhD studentships for 2012

University Studentships
Closing dates for applications: Friday 30 March 2012

Tenable in the following disciplines:

ESRC Studentships in the Scottish Doctoral Training Centre
Closing date for applications: Friday 16th March 2012

Strathclyde is eligible for studentships in the following areas:

AHRC Studentships (Stirling – Strathclyde Arts and Humanities Consortium)
Closing date for applications: Friday 16 March 2012

Tenable in:

Information about the Stirling – Strathclyde Arts and Humanities Consortium can be found at http://www.artsandhumanitiesconsortium.org.uk/Home.aspx

All studentships include and an annual maintenance grant of £13590, and are tenable for three years (subject to satisfactory progress) from 1 October 2012.

For an application form and more information on how we will support you with world leading training visit the Graduate School website.

Nostalgia Research Event for Festival of Social Sciences

Researchers in Humanities and Marketing at Strathclyde are inviting the people of Glasgow to share their school-day memories as part of the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) Festival of Social Science 2011.

The 'Glasgow Schooldays remembered' workshop is one of a number of public engagement activities resulting from Strathclyde’s ‘Nostalgia in the 21st Century Project’ which brings together researches in humanities and marketing to discover the impact of nostalgia in contemporary culture.

"Nostalgia is everywhere," Dr Sarah Edwards, Lecturer in English Studies, says. "We all have some kind of attachment to the magic of the past - with the internet it is much easier to 'access' the recent past, surprisingly we are finding people are already feeling nostalgic about the 80s and 90s. We also find that different ages and social groups use nostalgia in different ways. Young people tend to be nostalgic about past styles and fashions whereas older people remember more about the sense of community."

Strathclyde academic wins EU-wide competition

An academic at the University of Strathclyde has won first prize in a European Union-wide competition, after her entry was judged the best from a field of 170.

Dr Laura Polverari, a Senior Research Fellow in the University’s Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, was the winner in the EU Committee of the Regions Doctoral Thesis Competition for 2011. Her thesis was chosen from a final shortlist of 20 and earned her a prize of €6,000.

Dr Polverari, whose research interests include devolution, regional policy and European Structural Funds, submitted a thesis examining accountability in devolved regional policy. It made a comparative analysis of the way policies delivering cohesion across Europe have been implemented in Tuscany and Scotland following devolution.

The selection board was chaired by Marek Woźniak, President of the Polish Delegation to the Committee of the Regions. Dr Polverari received her award at a ceremony in Brussels from Committee of the Regions President Mercedes Bresso.

Dr Polverari is based in Strathclyde’s European Policies Research Centre, which conducts extensive research into economic development policies and practice in Europe - allied to expertise in a range of European languages. The Centre, within the University’s School of Government & Public Policy, attracts funding for its policy research from government authorities in more than 20 European countries, as well as international bodies such as the European Commission, the European Parliament and OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development).

What do animals mean to you?

Animals are present in many and varied areas of human lives: as workers, objects for scientific inquiry, characters in stories, images, companions, and as a source of food.

The British Animal Studies Network (BASN) encourages inter- and multi-disciplinary conversation and debate about the role of animals in culture and society.

Following the network's success  in London, a Glasgow network has been launched to provide a Scottish meeting point for these discussions to take place and to encourage wider participation from the Scottish research community as well as from the rest of the UK and internationally.

A topical issue in many areas of society and culture, the distinctions made between animals and humans have caused us to question their roles and our rights over them in relation to, for example, the discovery of new medicines, the creation of domestic products, the development of urban areas and architectural structures, and the impact of animals in lifestyle and nutrition.

Today, observing and analysing the ways in which humans interact with animals can lead to a deeper understanding of human culture and BASN seeks to enhance that understanding by building the community of people participating in the conversation.

The network’s leader, Professor Erica Fudge, of Strathclyde’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences said:

“The British Animal Studies Network will be a meeting point for researchers at all levels, and from a wide range of subjects in humanities, social sciences and beyond. I hope that the meetings in Glasgow will continue to develop this important and innovative new area of scholarship, and to strengthen links between academic inquiry and public debate”.

By combining historical perspectives with the analysis of modern day interactions, the network aims to help to build a fuller understanding of the role of animals in society.  It welcomes members from any discipline to engage in the debate.

To register on the Network's mailing list please go to www.britishanimalstudiesnetwork.org.uk

Faculty Strategic Appointments in Education, Law and Government & Public Policy

The Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences is set to benefit from a major investment programme to attract outstanding research leaders through a number of strategic appointments in the Schools of Education, Law and Government & Public Policy.

As a leading player in the UK higher education sector these appointments will enhance an established international reputation for leading research, teaching and knowledge exchange across the social sciences and humanities.

Professor Tony McGrew, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, noted: “I am delighted and excited by this new phase in the Faculty’s development. This investment will enhance our academic and professional educational portfolio whilst contributing significantly to our research ambitions.”

Humanities and Social Sciences make up the largest Faculty in the University. The Faculty is amongst the largest providers of professional education and is recognised internationally for its research across a spectrum of disciplines including Education, Law, Government & Public Policy, English, History, Languages, Social Work, Continuing Education and Psychological Sciences and Health. In 2012 the Faculty will enjoy the benefits of the University’s single campus project in the form of a £25 million capital investment to create a new hub for the Faculty bringing its students and staff from the Jordanhill campus into the heart of the city.

The strategic appointments follow the recent success in appointing former Chief Economic Advisor, Dr Andrew Goudie and former Lord Advocate, Dame Elish Angiolini DBE QC as Visiting Professors to the Faculty.

Up to 10 strategic posts including Professors, Senior Lecturers and Lectures are available and further details can be found in the opportunities section.

Disability and industrial society project results in £1 million award

The history of disability and industrialisation will be explored in a research project, bringing together acadedmics from Strathclyde, the Universities of Swansea, Aberystwyth and Northumbria, which has received a grant worth nearly £1 million from the Wellcome Trust.    

The study, entitled Disability and Industrial Society: A Comparative Cultural History of British Coalfields, will focus on how industrialisation shaped perceptions and experiences of disability between 1780 and 1948 and will create a research programme of international significance.

Professor Arthur McIvor of, Strathclyde’s Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, will be part of the research team led by Professor Anne Borsay and supported by Dr David Turner, both of Swansea. The £972,501 project will run from October 2011 to September 2016.

Read the full story here

Faculty academics chosen for new Young Academy

A Professor of English and Senior Lecturer in Psychology are among the first members of a new venture for stimulating creative ideas and collaborative working to meet global challenges.

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) has chosen 68 inaugural members across a broad range of academic, industrial and social disciplines for the RSE Young Academy of Scotland, the first organisation of its kind in the UK.

Professor Faye Hammill, professor of English in the School of Humanities and Dr Sinead Rhodes, Senior Lecturer in Psychology in the School of Psychological Sciences and Health will join other Strathclyders as part of Scotland-wide group.

Read more

Double success for Strathclyde research

University secures two grants in the latest round of Arts & Humanities Research Council awards

The University of Strathclyde’s Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences has secured two grants from one of the UK’s main research funding councils- making the university the only institution to win more than one award in the latest round of funding.

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) has awarded 18 grants worth more than £5.6 million in total to researchers at 17 institutions across the UK. Law Professor Barry Rodger has won a grant for his project on competition litigation across the European Union, while Faye Hammill, Professor of English, has gained funding to examine travel and magazines in Canada.

Professor Tony McGrew, Dean of the Faculty, said: “This announcement is a great achievement for our researchers and the fact that Strathclyde alone has gained more than one award reflects the high standard and value of the work we produce. We congratulate them on securing the funding.

“Our research makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the world at large, in social, political, legal, educational and historical contexts. It offers insights into how society has been, and continues to be, shaped and we look forward to seeing the outcomes of these projects.”

Announcing the overall funding round, UK Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: “The arts and humanities make a valuable contribution to the social fabric of the UK, providing greater meaning and shape to our lives. I’m delighted to see such a fascinating range of projects about to get underway – they are testament to the breadth and quality of research taking place in British institutions.”

Professor Rodger will be investigating competition law cases which came before EU member states in the decade from 1999 to 2009. He will particularly examine consumer redress, the levels of consumer-led litigation and their success rates across the different legal systems in the EU.  

The project’s aims include: identifying trends in the frequency of competition law cases in member states; providing comparative analysis of differences in litigation behaviour in states, and contributing to debate on the future role of private enforcement of competition law.

Professor Hammill, with postdoctoral researcher Dr Michelle Smith, will be assessing travel themes in English and French-Canadian magazines between 1925 and 1960. She aims to examine the focus of much of this material on cities such as New York, Paris and London as centres of culture and taste, as well as Canadians choosing more often to tour their own country during the Second World War.

The research will explore the development of transatlantic tourism and the social significance of promoting a distinctive French-speaking Canada. Professor Hammill and Dr Smith will investigate these in the context of a ‘middlebrow’ culture which draws on high and popular culture alike.

Strathclyde’s Humanities and Social Sciences make up the largest Faculty in the University. The Faculty is delivering high quality education and internationally recognised research across a spectrum of disciplines including Law, Government and Public Policy, English, History, Languages, Social Work, Teacher Education and Psychological Sciences & Health. It is set to benefit from eight new posts in the coming months through a major new investment in areas of strength, in addition to a £25 million package to create a new hub for the Faculty on the University’s city-centre campus. More at: www.strath.ac.uk/humanities/