Researchers in the School of Social Science and Humanities (SSH) are a multi-lingual, multi- and interdisciplinary community, working across the humanities, arts and social sciences, and bringing together a unique blend of internationally well-connected scholars.

For the Research Excellence Framework (REF, 2014), the current system to assess the quality of UK research, SSH submitted to two panels – ‘Area Studies’ and ‘Modern Languages and Linguistics’. The results released on 18 December 2014 ranked Aston amongst the leading institutions in the UK and achieved some particularly outstanding successes:

• Area Studies: 81% of the SSH submission has been judged as “world leading or internationally excellent”. This is the 3rd highest percentage in the UK for this unit of assessment.
• Modern Languages and Linguistics: 60% of the SSH submission has been awarded the highest marks (4*) for research impact. This is the highest 4* percentage in the West Midlands, and places Aston within the top 10 for this unit of assessment regarding impact.
• Area Studies: The submission is ranked 5th out of 23 institutions in the UK for Area Studies in the overall REF 2014 rankings.
• Modern Languages and Linguistics: 100% of the SSH submission to this panel has been awarded 4* or 3* for research environment, ranking Aston joint 1st in the UK for this measure.

SSH welcomes applications for the doctoral programme in any of the research areas covered by the School, this includes: English (language, literature, applied linguistics); History; Languages (French, German, Spanish) and Translation Studies; European Integration in comparative political, security, social and economic contexts; International Relations; Politics; Sociology and Policy.

The Careers service offer a tailored programme for MA Forensic Linguistics students exploring opportunities in police and security services and broader employment as well as the opportunity of PhD study.

Graduates of the MA in Forensic Linguistics go on to a whole variety of careers, but the course is particularly suited to those who want to further their careers in intelligence roles with the police, the security services or the city/financial services. The course is also an excellent foundation for studies at PhD level for students interested in a career in research in this important and growing area, as well as those whose existing careers would be advanced by specialised training.