The School of Political Science and Sociology has a rich tradition of research in the social sciences. Social Science research is fundamentally guided by the question of ‘why’ – which is used by sociologists, political scientists and theorists to explore questions of justice, inequality, political and social structures, sustainability, social reproduction and the production of policies and operation of practices.

While each cluster/centre engages in focused research in their topic areas, they contribute, holistically, to an engaged research environment that tackles critical societal issues through applied, empirical, and theoretical work. Research in the School has influenced policy, practice, and legislation, in Ireland and internationally, in areas including domestic and sexual violence, child protection, youth agency and family support, as well as shaped thinking and approaches to the study of conflict, political engagement, sustainable communities and equitable education.

Research Centres 
There are a number of Research Centres and Clusters affiliated with the School of Political Science and Sociology:

Global Women's Studies
Power, Conflict and Ideologies
Social & Political Theory
Governance and Sustainable Development
Children, Youth and Family Research