Faculty of Social Sciences ranking and reputation

We have an international reputation for delivering high quality teaching and research in social sciences.

Our research makes an impact for communities around the world, including our Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection (CCWP), and the Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research (SACASR).

Our work is recognised across several areas; in the most recent Research Excellence Framework 2021 we ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK for Social Work and Social Policy research – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our overall research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

Our rankings

The Guardian University Guide 2025:

1st in Scotland for Criminology

The Complete University Guide 2025:

Top 5 in Scotland, Top 15 in the UK for Education
Top 5 in Scotland, Top 15 in the UK for Social Policy
Top 5 in Scotland for Sociology

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025:

1st in Scotland, Top 15 in the UK for Criminology
Top 15 in the UK for Education
Top 5 in Scotland and Top 20 in the UK for Social Policy
Top 5 in Scotland for Sociology

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021:

Ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK for Social Work and Social Policy – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent

Our accreditations and awards

The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS):

Our Primary and Secondary Education degrees are accredited by GTCS, meaning that on successful completion you can apply for provisional registration as a teacher. Our postgraduate Education Leadership course is also accredited by GTCS.

The Chartered Institute of Housing:

Our Housing Studies course is accredited by The Chartered Institute of Housing, the professional body for housing. When you graduate you’ll qualify as a corporate member of The Chartered Institute of Housing.

The Scottish Social Services Council:

Our Social Work degree is accredited by The Scottish Social Services Council. On successful completion of the course you can register as a qualified social worker. England, Wales and Northern Ireland all have their own registration body and accept this degree.

Athena SWAN

The Athena SWAN initiative is a national charter developed by the Equality Challenge Unit in 2005 (now part of Advance HE). Athena SWAN recognises and promotes good practice in gender equality.

The Faculty of Social Sciences has been awarded a Bronze Athena SWAN award which is valid until 2025.

Find out more about Athena SWAN at the Faculty of Social Sciences.