About us

In the School of Human and Social Sciences, our aim is to develop your understanding of the complexities of human behaviour and social structures to empower you to shape a sustainable, just and healthy society.

We are a multidisciplinary school offering courses spanning Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, Education, Forensic Science Politics and International Relations and Nutritional Therapy.

Whether your ambition is to shape policy, conduct cutting-edge research, advocate for social justice or start your own business, our courses are designed with the flexibility to tailor your studies to match your interests and career aspirations.

Psychology facilities EEG

Why choose us?

  • We are the top modern university* in London for Criminology in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

Our range of courses span from foundation degrees and Certificates in Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) to undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees.

With a strong focus on critical thinking, sustainable practices, supporting healthy bodies and minds, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and applied learning, you will be equipped with the skills to make a real impact, both professionally and personally.

Our students have access to crime scene suites and science laboratories with industry standard equipment including brain imaging electroencephalogram (EEG), eye-tracking equipment, virtual-reality, DNA and fingermark analysis and a range of experimental and research software. Students gain hands-on experience and receive expert guidance, preparing them for their future careers. 

Our courses are accredited by professional bodies in the sciences, including The British Psychological Society, Chartered Society of Forensic Science and the Nutritional Therapy Education Commission (NTEC).

Our courses

Our courses

Explore our courses at the School of Human and Social Sciences and related programmes at the University of West London. 

You can browse by subject area below or see a full list of courses at the University of West London.

Welcome video

 

Hear from Dr Jen Mayer, Head of the School of Human and Social Sciences on why UWL is a great choice for your future.

Research

Forensic science student analyses a bullet

In the School of Human and Social Sciences we conduct research in several areas including criminology, psychology, education, addiction studies, forensic science, nutritional therapy, sociology and politics and international relations.

Our research is supported by high-standard facilities such as a brain imaging electroencephalogram (EEG) and eye-tracking equipment, as well as crime scene labs, observation spaces and virtual reality technology.

We work closely with partners from all sectors to explore the most pressing social and theoretical issues of the day – and provide real solutions.

Our staff

  • Jen stands side on and smiles at the camera. She is wearing a tweed suit jacket and glasses and has long brown hair

    Dr Jen Mayer

    Head of School of Human and Social Sciences
    School of Human and Social Sciences

    Dr Jen Mayer recently joined the University of West London as Head of the School of Human and Social Sciences. Prior to this Jen was the at the University of Roehampton for 10 years where she was the Deputy Dean of the School of Psychology following on from her role as a Principal Lecturer and Programme Convener for the BSc Psychology. Jen completed her PhD "Exploring speech processing in high-functioning adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The cognitive, behavioural and clinical correlates associated with atypical auditory processing" at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

    Dr Jen Mayer recently joined the University of West London as Head of the School of Human and Social Sciences. Prior to this Jen was the at the University of Roehampton for 10 years where she was the Deputy Dean of the School of Psychology following on from her role as a Principal Lecturer and Programme Convener for the BSc Psychology. Jen completed her PhD "Exploring speech processing in high-functioning adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The cognitive, behavioural and clinical correlates associated with atypical auditory processing" at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

  • Simon Fox

    Dr Simon Ian Fox

    Deputy Head of the School of Human and Social Sciences
    School of Human and Social Sciences

    Dr Simon Fox recently joined the University of West London as Deputy Head of the School of Human and Social Sciences and Head of Criminology and Forensic Science. With over two decades of experience in academia, including extensive time in senior leadership roles, Simon has consistently emphasised the importance of staff development and inclusive, employment-focused curriculum design.

    Dr Simon Fox recently joined the University of West London as Deputy Head of the School of Human and Social Sciences and Head of Criminology and Forensic Science. With over two decades of experience in academia, including extensive time in senior leadership roles, Simon has consistently emphasised the importance of staff development and inclusive, employment-focused curriculum design.

  • Robert Vaughan

    Associate Professor Robert Vaughan

    Head of Psychological Sciences
    School of Human and Social Sciences

    Dr Robert Vaughan joined the University of West London as Head of Psychological Sciences in the School of Human and Social Sciences in 2023. Prior to this, Robert was a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at York St John University from 2014 to 2023.

    Dr Robert Vaughan joined the University of West London as Head of Psychological Sciences in the School of Human and Social Sciences in 2023. Prior to this, Robert was a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at York St John University from 2014 to 2023.

Nicola O'Keefe

Head of Education and Interdisciplinary Studies

Academic staff

Honoraries

Each year, the University of West London bestows Honorary Masters, Fellows and Doctorates to distinguished individuals, in recognition of their business success, contribution to civic and cultural life, or long-term support for the University’s work.

  • Our Honoraries

    Below are some of those who have received honorary awards from the School of Human and Social Sciences.

    • Mark Brooks CBE 
    • Professor Mitchel Blair
    • Kay Fitzherbert
    • Leyla Hussein
    • Patricia Jefferies
    • Professor Zenobia Nadirshaw
    • Carole Sharma
    • Mike Smith-Clare MBE

Events

The front entrance of Paragon

Events

We have a lively programme of events within the School, which take place at Paragon, our Brentford site. These include our Twilight Tuesday lectures, Journal Clubs, Lunchtime Seminars and Student Conferences.

Contact us

Contact us

To get in touch with our School, please email SHSSadmin@uwl.ac.uk.

To contact us about applying for a course, please get in touch with our Admissions team:

  • courses@uwl.ac.uk
  • 0800 036 8888 and select option 2 - free for land line and mobile users
  • +44 (0) 20 8231 2468 for callers from outside the UK.

Disclaimer

* Modern universities are defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992. UWL received the rankings listed above when compared to all other modern universities ranked in the guides / surveys cited.