School of Social Sciences

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Welcome to the School of Social Sciences

The School of Social Sciences brings together the disciplines of Criminology, Policing, Psychology, and Sociology—fields that help us understand how people live, how society functions, and how communities respond to challenges such as crime, inequality, mental health, trauma, and social change. 

Our academic team includes both research-active scholars and experienced professionals from sectors such as policing, health and social care, and education. Their real-world insights and research expertise shape a learning experience that is both academically rigorous and practically relevant. Current research projects address pressing issues including domestic abuse, safeguarding, community wellbeing, and the needs of young people and vulnerable groups. 

Students benefit from a blend of classroom teaching, applied projects, and, where appropriate, placements or work-based learning, helping them build practical knowledge alongside academic skills. This prepares graduates for careers in a wide range of public service, community engagement, and policy-focused roles. 

We take pride in our supportive and inclusive environment. Whether you're interested in understanding human behaviour, shaping public policy, or improving services and systems, you'll find a place to thrive here. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the School of Social Sciences. 

Our achievements

Leeds Trinity University is the UK’s top University for overall student satisfaction (NSS 2026)*

*Measured by NSS 2026 positivity score (% agree) of all registered students across the 17 NSS questions used in TEF 2023, compared to institutions included in the Times UK University Rankings 2026.

 

95% of all undergraduate full-time students, and degree apprenticeships were in employment/further studies 15 months after graduating

Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023/4 Graduates

Ranked 7th in the UK for Student Satisfaction

Sociology discipline (which includes Criminology) Subject League table, The Complete University Guide 2027, released June 2026

Leeds Trinity University is ranked 11th in the UK for Criminology Teaching quality

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, Criminology teaching quality subject league table

Discover our courses

Explore a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the School of Social Sciences.

Our courses

Academic spotlight

Our Academic spotlights shine a light on the people, research, and ideas making an impact across our academic community.

A picture of Dr Rob Hornsby providing evidence as part of the Home Office inquiry into the impact of serious and organised crime on local neighbourhoods

Dr Rob Hornsby's research informs Parliamentary Inquiry

Dr Rob Hornsby shared research with Parliament's Home Affairs Committee, highlighting how digital drug markets are fuelling illicit drug use across the UK, with around one in 11 adults consuming illegal drugs each year.

 

 

A picture of Dr Rob Hornsby providing evidence as part of the Home Office inquiry into the impact of serious and organised crime on local neighbourhoods

Dr Rob Hornsby, an Associate Professor (Research) in Criminology, highlighted the sobering figures, based on Office for National Statistics data, while giving evidence from his own research to inform the Home Affairs Committee inquiry into the impact of serious and organised crime on local neighbourhoods. 

The inquiry, which was launched in February 2026, is examining the impact of serious and organised crime on local neighbourhoods and exploring the capacity of neighbourhood policing to support the wider police response to the matter. 

Dr Hornsby specialises in serious and organised enterprise crime and has a particular research interest in illicit marketplaces, county lines drug distribution networks, and the harm these networks cause to communities. By working with people directly involved in these markets, the police, and health and criminal justice agencies, his research explores how organised crime adapts to and remains resilient against law enforcement interventions. 

Read more about Dr Hornsby's research here

Partnerships and industry engagement

At the School of Social Sciences, we’re proud to collaborate with a wide range of local organisations, charities, and professional bodies to enrich our teaching, research, and student experience. 

Working with the Criminal Justice System 

Around one in six people are victimised by stalking in their lifetime, with 45% being linked to Intimate Partner Abuse.  Yet, despite Stalking being identified as a key risk factor in the homicide timeline, several reported cases have shown that stalking is not identified or being responded to appropriately. 

Funded by the Home Office, led by West Midlands Police, and in collaboration with HMPPS Psychology Services,  Forensic Psychology Consultants Ltd, Black Country Women’s Aid, and academics from Leeds Trinity University, the University of Derby, and Leicester University, the focus of the project is to understand how risk is assessed in stalking cases and the effectiveness of the Early Awareness Stalking Intervention (EASI). 

The aim of EASI is to deliver a rehabilitative treatment for people who have engaged in stalking behaviours or are at risk of doing so in the future.  It also aims to improve victim/survivor safety. The evaluation, led by Professor Karin Spenser, will help answer the following questions – does EASI work to reduce reoffending and/or increase victim safety? How does it work? Under what conditions? For whom does it work? 

Partner with us

Learn more about how we work with local organisations and charities to create impact. Contact Professor Tony Blockley, Head of the School of Social Sciences, to find out more t.blockley@leedstrinity.ac.uk.

PACE Compliant Podcast

The latest episode of PACE Compliant, the podcast from the School of Criminology, Investigation and Policing, is now available.

Featuring guests including Ben Pearson from Channel 5’s ‘Interceptors’ and Detective Superintendent Heather Wilson, Strategic Lead for Violence against Women & Girls at West Yorkshire Police, the podcast provides insight and discussion around all things criminal justice in the UK.

Criminology, Investigation and Policing, Psychology News

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CommunityCriminologyInvestigation and Policing
02 September 2026

University shortlisted for outstanding contribution to the local community at the Times Higher Education Awards

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Three students smiling in a classroom.
CriminologyInvestigation and Policing
21 July 2026

Student overcomes challenges caused by life-changing stroke to achieve degree at Leeds Trinity

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A graduate in front of the Horsforth Campus
CriminologyInvestigation and PolicingResearch
10 July 2026

1 in 11 adults in the UK consume illicit drugs annually, claims Leeds Trinity criminology expert

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A picture of Dr Rob Hornsby providing evidence as part of the Home Office inquiry into the impact of serious and organised crime on local neighbourhoods
PsychologyResearch
05 May 2026

Smartphone interventions show promise for millions living with tinnitus in new research

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A lecturer sitting behind a desk and smiling.

Research within the School of Social Sciences

Our research community encompasses our staff, postgraduate researchers, students and partners

Together we're focused on advancing knowledge to make a positive contribution to people, planet and society.

We focus on all types of research and strive to support collaboration, interdisciplinarity and impact on policy, practice, behaviour and understanding of the world around us. 

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Our research in this area cuts across several areas of social policy and criminology, with a distinct focus on applied research and practice.  We would also welcome postgraduate study and research applications in any of the following: 

  • Addiction recovery journeys and the efficacy of support services
  • Policing and investigation
  • Crime and youth justice
  • Progressive prison policy and practice
  • Employment, inequality and social inclusion
  • Parenting, families and social reproduction 

Read more about our research

Research within Psychology includes:

The areas of research and knowledge exchange activity our staff are involved in come under four strategic themes.

  • Psychological Wellbeing Across Populations
  • Health and Behaviour Change
  • Identities, Communities and Social Justice and Change
  • Cognition and Development

View our research here