Research in the School is conducted through the Institute for Research in the Social Sciences. IRiSS provides support for those considered research active and capable for submission to the Research Assessment Exercise (the Research Excellence Framework for the future). The Institute aims to conduct research that is relevant to the Northern Ireland policy context but is located within and contributes to international, theoretical, empirical and methodological debates. Research is managed and encouraged in the School through the allocation of discretionary research monies (for pump-priming), for research assistance and for meeting the costs associated with publication, mentoring and fostering team research. Research development mechanisms have been built around annual trilateral discussions between teaching and research co-ordinators and each member of the group. Medium term research plans and annual indicative publication plans are agreed. Additionally, teaching is organised, where possible, to render teaching content more reflective of research interests. Senior colleagues are expected to play a strong role in mentoring and staff development. The Institute provides monies to support research through teaching buyouts (to be agreed with Head of School), direct support for research projects, and financial assistance for attendance at conferences. IRiSS organises a seminar series and acts as the host (with the School) for Visiting Scholars. The Institute web site can be viewed at http://www.socsci.ulster.ac.uk/irss/ where Institute members and their publications are listed together with seminars planned and lectures.
Over a sustained period, the staff within the School have been strong in research terms and committed to achieving and maintaining national and international excellence in research, having achieved ‘4' ratings in the 1992, 1996 and 2001 Research Assessment Exercises. Two submissions from the School were made to RAE2008. The submission to UOA40 (Social Policy and Social Work) maintained the tradition of reporting on this area which started in 1996 when a 4 rating was achieved. In 2008 the result saw this submission achieving 60% rated at 3* and 4* and with a grade point score of 2.65. This result (the equivalent of a 5* performance in terms of the 2001 RAE) placed the Unit in the top 20 UK departments. The second submission was to UOA 39 Politics panel with the outturn showing considerable progress from the 2001 result.
The main areas of research relate to the politics and government of Northern Ireland and beyond, policy evaluation, health and social care policy and governance in Northern Ireland, local governance, community relations, equality and social inclusion, political leadership, the voluntary sector and public procurement policy. Staff maintain close links with policy makers and practitioners as well as the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland and a range of statutory bodies. Additionally, there are extensive opportunities for postgraduate research study with a number of full-time and part-time PhD students at any one time.
The Director of the IRiSS liaises closely with the Head of School to ensure the smooth management of research and other activities.
If you would like to learn more about how we can help further your studies and career opportunities, please contact us.
Research
Research in the School is conducted through the Institute for Research in the Social Sciences. IRiSS provides support for those considered research active and capable for submission to the Research Assessment Exercise (the Research Excellence Framework for the future). The Institute aims to conduct research that is relevant to the Northern Ireland policy context but is located within and contributes to international, theoretical, empirical and methodological debates. Research is managed and encouraged in the School through the allocation of discretionary research monies (for pump-priming), for research assistance and for meeting the costs associated with publication, mentoring and fostering team research. Research development mechanisms have been built around annual trilateral discussions between teaching and research co-ordinators and each member of the group. Medium term research plans and annual indicative publication plans are agreed. Additionally, teaching is organised, where possible, to render teaching content more reflective of research interests. Senior colleagues are expected to play a strong role in mentoring and staff development. The Institute provides monies to support research through teaching buyouts (to be agreed with Head of School), direct support for research projects, and financial assistance for attendance at conferences. IRiSS organises a seminar series and acts as the host (with the School) for Visiting Scholars. The Institute web site can be viewed at http://www.socsci.ulster.ac.uk/irss/ where Institute members and their publications are listed together with seminars planned and lectures.
Over a sustained period, the staff within the School have been strong in research terms and committed to achieving and maintaining national and international excellence in research, having achieved ‘4' ratings in the 1992, 1996 and 2001 Research Assessment Exercises. Two submissions from the School were made to RAE2008. The submission to UOA40 (Social Policy and Social Work) maintained the tradition of reporting on this area which started in 1996 when a 4 rating was achieved. In 2008 the result saw this submission achieving 60% rated at 3* and 4* and with a grade point score of 2.65. This result (the equivalent of a 5* performance in terms of the 2001 RAE) placed the Unit in the top 20 UK departments. The second submission was to UOA 39 Politics panel with the outturn showing considerable progress from the 2001 result.
The main areas of research relate to the politics and government of Northern Ireland and beyond, policy evaluation, health and social care policy and governance in Northern Ireland, local governance, community relations, equality and social inclusion, political leadership, the voluntary sector and public procurement policy. Staff maintain close links with policy makers and practitioners as well as the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland and a range of statutory bodies. Additionally, there are extensive opportunities for postgraduate research study with a number of full-time and part-time PhD students at any one time. The Director of the IRiSS liaises closely with the Head of School to ensure the smooth management of research and other activities.
If you would like to learn more about how we can help further your studies and career opportunities, please contact us.