Social work & social policy

Our research and expertise contribute to addressing real-world social challenges by shaping public policy and practice. In partnership, we generate evidence that informs decision-making, enhances service delivery, and strengthens systems to create more equitable communities.

We aim to create an environment which promotes internationally-excellent research that has a positive impact on both practice and policy. We had the highest quality profile for research publications in Scotland in our REF 2021 unit of assessment, according to the Times Higher Education’s GPA calculations, with almost half our nominated publications being classed as ‘world-leading’.

Our work is organised under the four broad headings of:

  • Children, young people & families
  • Health & wellbeing
  • Citizenship & communities
  • Criminal & social justice

These research areas are aligned closely with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences’ research themes of Health, Children and Young People, and Public and Social Policy, and the University research themes of Health and Wellbeing, and Society and Policy.

Our areas of research

A family out walking in the countryside

Children, young people & families

 Our experts carry out, share and disseminate social research into the experiences of children, young people and families. We promote evidence-based practice and research-informed policy.
a woman running on the road

Health & wellbeing

We're a vibrant, enthusiastic and collaborative research group who produce world-leading, international and multi-disciplinary scholarship, applied research and consultancy on issues of health policy, public health, health inequalities, health history and social work (within the context of health).

legal gavel and scales

Criminal & social justice

 We cover a diverse range of areas with an applied and international policy and practice focus on issues of criminal and social justice, including questions of equality and diversity.
A crowd of people

Citizenship & communities

The relationship between citizenship and community lies at the heart of many of today’s most important social and political debates. Find out more about our research in this area.

Work with us

There are a number of ways in which our staff, researchers and students can work with you or your business. Find out more about how we can work together.

Social Work & Social Policy

The Department of Social Work & Social Policy is one of six departments in the HaSS Faculty. Working with national and international agencies, research in this department contributes to tackling challenges in society.

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences (HaSS)

Social work is part of Strathclyde's Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences. Find out more about departments and subjects in the faculty.

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