School of Social Sciences

Student looking down at books on a table in a Leeds City Campus social space..

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 ranked 11th in the UK for Criminology Teaching quality

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

Criminology is ranked 5th in the UK for student satisfaction

The Complete University Guide 2026 - Sociology discipline (which includes Criminology) student satisfaction subject league table​, released June 2025

3rd in Yorkshire for Teaching among universities in the UK included for Sociology

National Student Survey 2025

2nd in Yorkshire for Learning Opportunities among universities in the UK included for Sociology

National Student Survey 2025

2nd in Yorkshire for Academic Support among universities in the UK included for Sociology

National Student Survey 2025

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.

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. 

Closeup shot of hands using a laptop.