School of Human and Social Sciences
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.
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.
Our short courses
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
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
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Dr Jen Mayer
Head of School of Human and Social SciencesSchool of Human and Social SciencesDr 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.
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Dr Simon Ian Fox
Deputy Head of the School of Human and Social SciencesSchool of Human and Social SciencesDr 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.
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Associate Professor Robert Vaughan
Head of Psychological SciencesSchool of Human and Social SciencesDr 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
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Criminology and Forensic Science
- Dr Simon Fox - Deputy Head of School and Head of Criminology and Forensic Science
- Dr Olujimi Aina - Lecturer in Forensic Biology
- Dr Sam Andrews - Lecturer in Criminology
- Dr Christopher Davies - Lecturer in Forensic Science
- Dr Maya Flax - Senior Lecturer in and Course Lead for BSc Criminology
- Dr Kyprianos Georgiou - Senior Lecturer and Course Lead for Forensic Science
- Brian Hook - Lecturer in Forensic Science
- Dr Xenia Kyriakou - Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science
- Dr Greg Los - Lecturer in Criminology
- Dr Rashid Minhas - Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Psychology
- Dr Allan Moore - Senior Lecturer in and Course Lead for MA Criminology
- Professor Karim Murji - Professor of Social Policy and Criminology
- Leonie Quinton - Lecturer in Criminology
- Dr Jacqueline Spicer - Lecturer in Criminology and Forensic Investigation
- Professor Alberto Testa - Professor of Applied Criminology
- Professor Alison Wakefield - Professor of Criminology and Security Studies
- Dr Dan Yu - Lecturer in Criminology
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Education and Interdisciplinary Studies
- Dr Manzoorul Abedin - Associate Professor in Education and Society
- Shoela Currey - Lecturer in Nutritional Therapy
- Dr Alexandra Georgiou - Lecturer in Primary Education
- Professor William Henry - Professor of Criminology and Sociology
- Sarah Hooper - Lecturer in Early Years Education
- Dr Stuart Isaacs - Senior Lecturer and Course Lead for Sociology
- Dr Viktoria Magne - Associate Professor in Education Studies and Early Childhood
- Dr Janne Mantykoski - Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Politics and International Relations
- Dr Esther McMahon - Lecturer in Education Studies
- Dr Mike Mimirinis - Associate Professor in Education
- Dr Alice Mukaka - Lecturer in Sociology and Politics and International Relations
- Dr Bamo Nouri - Senior Lecturer in International Relations
- Joanna Oates – Lecturer in Nutritional Therapy
- Dr Surinder Phull - Senior Lecturer in Nutritional Medicine
- Emma Stiles - Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Nutritional Therapy
- Sharon Vince - Lecturer in Primary Education
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Psychological Sciences
- Associate Professor Robert Vaughan - Associate Professor and Head of Psychological Sciences
- Dr Michael Broll - Lecturer in Psychology
- Dr Moira Cachia - Senior Lecturer in Psychology
- Dr Jamie Churchyard - Senior Lecturer in Psychology
- Dr Jason Clarke - Lecturer in Psychology
- Dr Lucy Clarke – Lecturer in Psychology
- Professor Mark Coulson – Professor in Psychology
- Dr Cynthia Alejandra Cordova Sanchez - Lecturer in Psychology
- Professor Kitrina Douglas - Professor of Narrative and Performative Research
- Dr Linda Dinc - Senior Lecturer in Psychology
- Professor Ben Hine - Professor in Psychology
- Dr Henry Johnson - Senior Lecturer in Psychology
- Dr Selam Kidane - Lecturer in Psychology
- Dr Robert (Bob) Lockie - Senior Lecturer in Psychology
- Dr Leanne McDonald - Lecturer in Health Psychology
- Associate Professor Raffaella Milani - Course Leader in Addiction Studies
- Dr Nicole Miller - Lecturer in Psychology
- Linda Mortimer - Lecturer in Psychology
- Dr Lee Usher - Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in Psychology
- Dr Alex Wilson - Lecturer in Psychology
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Technicians
- Rulla Bhattacharya - Psychology Technician
- Suzanne Harvey - Demonstrator/Technician in Forensic Science
- Lynn Jarvis - Senior Technician in Forensic Science
- Becky Tyler - Psychology Technician
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Administration
For administrative enquiries, please contact SHSSadmin@uwl.ac.uk.
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.
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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
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.
Our social channels
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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.