Specialising in several core areas of research

Ranked 132 in the world in the 2022 QS World Rankings, the MQ School of Social Sciences conducts cutting edge research that seeks to understand and engage with a complex and rapidly changing world.

Combining internationally recognised researchers from the disciplines of Anthropology, Geography, Planning, Politics, International Relations and Sociology our work strives to make society more just, liveable and inclusive.

Staff work collaboratively with industry, government, and community organisations to help address the many challenges facing society today.

School research strengths

The School conducts meaningful interdisciplinary research to address complex social challenges. Read about five key areas of research strength:

Diversity and Society 

Research exploring diversity and associated issues and tensions in & between contemporary societies.

About Diversity & Society

Environments & Societies

Research examining the social, cultural and political dimensions of society-environment relations.

More about this group

Urban Worlds 

Research on the social, political, economic, cultural and environmental processes shaping cities.

Learn about Urban Worlds

Work/Inequality/Wellbeing

The Work, Inequality, and Wellbeing (WIW) group looks at the social and personal scale of labour.

Learn more about WIW

Global Policy Futures

Research on the transformative role of governance in addressing global challenges.

More about Global Policy

Disciplinary expertise

All our research is underpinned by strong disciplinary foundations. Read about the areas of research excellence in each of our disciplines:

Anthropology

Anthropology

Our Anthropology discipline produces innovative research with a broad international focus.

View anthropological research
Geography and Planning

Geography and Planning

This discipline researches the relationships between human and environmental systems.

See our geographical research
Politics and International Relations

Politics and International Relations

This discipline produces research in areas including comparative politics and public policy.

See our political research
Sociology

Sociology

Our Sociology discipline researches how society works and how it can be changed for the better.

View sociological research
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