Welcome
News and events
Check out our news and events section for the latest information about publications, research excellence, awards and achievements by our staff and students.
Our top-rated Department of Sociology is one of the best in Europe.
We pride ourselves on the intellectual breadth and diversity of our research and
teaching. Consistently ranked as first in the UK for sociology research, we
ensure our research excellence informs our teaching practice.
We are a large, diverse and friendly department with an excellent reputation
across a number of areas, including sociology, criminology, anthropology,
psychosocial studies, media and culture and humanities.
Why we are unique
- 96 per cent student satisfaction (NSS 2013), ranked in the top three for UK
universities
- One of the top 50 sociology departments in the world
- Rated top in all six Research Assessment Exercises (RAE)
- Dedicated student resource centre
offering academic and personal support
- Comprehensive short course programme
in social research methods
Research interests
Our academics have a wide range of
research interests and areas of specialism. They also operate within five research groups
which reflect our strengths in subject areas like social division and culture to sociological theory and method.
Study with us
Find out about our courses and research study opportunities. Ranked first in the UK in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, we offer an outstanding environment for your studies.
New students
Welcome to all new students who will be joining our University community. Our welcome information provides important pre-arrival updates and
will help you settle in to your new life at Essex.