Introduction

Our criminology courses are ranked number one in London and our education courses are ranked top in England for satisfaction with assessment in the Guardian's University Guide 2023.

At the School of Human and Social Sciences, we offer a full range of awards from foundation degrees and Certificates in Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) to undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees.

Our courses and areas of expertise include Criminology and Policing, Psychology, Education, Addiction Studies, Forensic Science, Nutritional Therapy, Sociology, Politics and International Relations.

Our courses are accredited by professional bodies in the sciences, for example, The British Psychological Society and the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Forensic Science is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science, Addiction studies by the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals and the Nutritional studies course by Nutritional Therapy Education Commission (NTEC).

Our psychology research facilities include an industry standard brain imaging electroencephalogram (EEG), eye-tracking equipment and a range of experiment and research software. We provide access and a high standard of support for use of these facilities.

Psychology facilities EEG

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 here.

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

The School of Human and Social Sciences conducts diverse research across several disciplines. Our focus areas include criminology, psychology, education, addiction studies, forensic science, nutritional therapy, sociology, 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 and observation spaces.

All staff within the School share a unified research mission – to inclusively create and share knowledge and understanding which impact meaningfully and sustainably on social and theoretical issues. We achieve this by working closely with partners from all sectors to explore the most pressing and important issues of the day – and provide real solutions.

  • Our mission statement

    Mission Statement

    To inclusively create and share knowledge and understanding which impact meaningfully and sustainably on social and theoretical issues.

    • Our topics and participants represent diverse and often seldom heard populations, including our student base and local communities.
    • Our activities are designed to improve wellbeing and security, tackle inequalities, enhance scientific knowledge, and promote equality.
    • We seek to maximise theoretical and practical understanding of behaviour, mental and physical health, and investigative processes, and to generate positive change in wellbeing, access to justice, and professional practice.
    • We deliver project findings where they will generate genuine improvement and change, including practitioners, policymakers, and the public.
  • Our vision

    Vision

    To be a vibrant hub of innovation, a trusted partner for collaboration.

    Culture & Innovation - A vibrant environment which equips and emboldens diverse investigators to conceptualise and deliver innovative, exciting, interdisciplinary projects, and inform exceptional teaching.

    Profile & Visibility - Routine high visibility as a key partner of choice.

    Collaboration & Impact - Consistent engagement in dynamic collaboration with partners to co-produce projects which routinely achieve impact at local, national, and international levels.

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.

Administration

For administrative enquiries, please contact SHSSadmin@uwl.ac.uk.

 

Teaching 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.

    • 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.