Department of Sociology and Criminology

Equality and inclusion

A group of students laughing together by the lakes

Supporting, promoting and celebrating equality in education

The Department of Sociology and Criminology has been awarded the prestigious Athena SWAN bronze award. The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research.

In May 2015, the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.

Visit the Athena SWAN website to learn more about the application process and the criteria for receiving a bronze award.

Professor Linsey Mcgoey, Head of Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Essex.
"We have endeavoured to embed Athena SWAN principles across the department and in all activities in order that it become second nature to us.  Our department ensures that decisions are shared widely.  We now have an entire department familiar with and dedicated to Athena SWAN principles."
Professor Linsey Mcgoey Head of Department Sociology and Criminology

Championing research on gender

The Department of Sociology and Criminology has a long history of ground breaking, innovative work on gender, sexuality and inequality. Below are listed some recent activities of five outstanding academics at different stages of their careers, from PhD students to full Professors, all of whom have an interest in gender equality.

A young woman reading a book in front of a computer screen.
Athena SWAN Departmental Bronze Award

Read our application for the Athena SWAN Bronze Award and learn more about what makes the Department of Sociology an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Read our application (.pdf)

Teaching on gender by the Department

Sharing our rich knowledge and understanding of gender is an integral part of what we do in the Department of Sociology and Criminology. Many of our teaching modules introduce key theories to our students as together we examine society's understanding of gender. Through our teaching we help our students to think critically about how gender shapes our understanding and construct of the society we live in.

Resources for all in the department

Our department fosters an inclusive research and teaching environment. Below is a list of some of the resources available to those in the department and across the University of Essex.

Student working on computer in library
Get in touch
Róisín Ryan-Flood Athena Swan Lead for the Department of Sociology and Criminology
University of Essex
Telephone: 01206 873551
Department of Sociology and Criminology University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ
Telephone: 01206 873275