Organisation Profile

The School of Social Sciences brings together academics and researchers across Criminology, Policing, Sociology, and Psychology to address pressing social issues through applied, impactful research. Our work spans regional, national, and international collaborations and reflects a strong commitment to social justice, community wellbeing, and the advancement of inclusive professional practice.

Research across the School is aligned with Leeds Trinity University’s strategic themes and is underpinned by a shared focus on public sector innovation, work-based learning, and the lived experiences of individuals and communities. Our disciplinary strengths in criminological theory, forensic and applied psychology, social policy, and professional policing practice provide a foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful impact.

Research Themes and Focus Areas

Risk, Safeguarding and Justice
Spanning criminology, policing, and applied psychology, this theme explores how risk is assessed and managed across justice and safeguarding contexts. Topics include domestic abuse, youth justice, trauma-informed practice, and learning from statutory reviews such as Domestic Homicide Reviews.

Work-Based Learning and Professional Education
With contributions from criminology, sociology, and psychology education specialists, this theme focuses on professional learning pathways, including Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL), evidence-based teaching, and curriculum innovation to support the development of reflective, work-ready graduates.

Social Policy, Power and Inclusion
Grounded in sociology and criminology, this theme examines how structural inequalities shape access to justice, education, and wellbeing. Key areas include poverty, social exclusion, race and justice, and the experiences of marginalised or minoritised groups within public services.

Communities, Crime and Wellbeing
This interdisciplinary theme integrates criminological and psychological approaches to explore community harm, rehabilitation, mental health, and desistance. It includes research on the experiences of care-experienced individuals, NEET youth, and the wellbeing of justice-involved and marginalised populations.

Commitment to Research Culture and Integrity
The School of Social Sciences fosters a collaborative and inclusive research culture. We support academic development through mentoring, research group activity, and interdisciplinary seminars. Our commitment to research excellence aligns with the principles of the Concordat to Support Research Integrity and contributes to a vibrant and ethical research environment.

Through this integrated and applied approach, the School of Social Sciences works to advance understanding, shape policy, and support meaningful change in communities locally, nationally, and globally.