College of Social Sciences and International Studies

“Outdated and incoherent” curriculum turning children off Religious Education

The “incoherent, confusing and outdated” Religious Education curriculum is leading children to reject the subject and needs radical reform if it is to stay relevant, experts have said.

College news

Archive links

Speed Networking for Careers with Politics and IR Alumni

To kick off the 2017/18 academic year, the SSIS Employability Team held an interactive ‘Speed Networking’ event which was attended by four prestigious alumni and over thirty current Politics and IR students.

New tool to support improvements to environment and rural employment

A new web-based tool will support policymakers and farmers to improve the environment and increase rural employment.

Law students to give free legal advice

University of Exeter law students are helping vulnerable people who are missing out on legal services by providing free information and advice clinics in Devon.

Divorce law in England and Wales increases conflict and suffering for separating couples and their children

Divorce law in England and Wales is incentivising people to exaggerate claims of ‘behaviour’ or adultery to get a quicker divorce, according to University of Exeter research.

International experts to discuss humanitarian crisis in Yemen

International experts will discuss the causes of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and possible solutions at a public event at the University of Exeter.

New study to develop teachers’ skills as creative writers

Experts will help teachers develop their own skills as creative writers so they can help boost children’s confidence in writing.

Experts advise government on 25-year environment plan

Degradation of the natural environment has to be reversed partly because it underpins economic growth and social wellbeing, experts say.

Nobel Peace Prize awarded to University of Exeter academic

Anti-nuclear campaigners, including a University of Exeter academic, have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Law as an asymmetric capability: Dr Aurel Sari presents on the legal aspects of hybrid threats

European nations and their allies must increase their capacity to deal with the legal challenges presented by hybrid warfare.

Social Sciences placed amongst top 100 in THE global rankings

Exeter has been named as one of the top 100 places in the world to study a range of Social Sciences subjects, according to the latest influential rankings.

Generations come together to discuss Brexit and the UK’s future in Europe

On Thursday 29 June, an event which brought together retired/semi-retired citizens as well as secondary school aged children, ‘Brexit: A discussion of the UK’s future in Europe’, took place.

Law undergraduate wins Brightside ‘Student Mentor of the Year’ Award

Joel Wish, a current law undergraduate, has recently won a prestigious mentoring award in his final year of studying law at University, in relation to his role of e-mentor on the Pathways to Law programme.

Evolved masculine and feminine behaviour can be inherited from social environment – not just from genes

The different ways men and women behave, passed down from generation to generation, can be inherited from our social environment – not just from genes, experts have suggested.

University of Exeter Graduate School of Education part of regional network to help support teachers

The University of Exeter will be part of a new regional network to help teachers develop their skills and share knowledge.

Outstanding new teachers honoured for their inspirational work

Outstanding new teachers have been honoured for their work in the classroom as well as their academic work as part of an awards scheme in honour of one of the UK’s best educators.

New data experts graduate from the University of Exeter

The first of a new generation of social science students trained how to analyse vast amounts of data while completing degrees in politics or sociology have graduated from the University of Exeter.

Existence of ‘good faith’ obligations in English contract law to be debated by experts

Experts will debate whether or not the concept of good faith should be part of English contract law, with a senior judge leading calls for such a development.

Exeter workshop addresses ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ challenges and opportunities

Scholars from prestigious Chinese institutions including Tsinghua University have visited the University of Exeter for a discussion of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

ESRC seminar on blockchain and capital markets

Dr Joseph Lee of Exeter Law School and Dr Naikuang Huang, Senior Executive Vice President held a seminar investigating the concept of distributed ledger technology and its implication for critical financial market infrastructure (FMI).

Ancient fish trap gives new clues about history of erosion on Britain’s coastline

An ancient Saxon fishing trap exposed for the first time in centuries thanks to radical environmental change has provided new clues about the history of coastal erosion in Britain.

Devon cohabiting couples needed to help researchers uncover the secret of finding life-long love

Devon cohabiting couples can help experts uncover the secret of finding life-long love by taking part in a University of Exeter research project.

One year on from the EU referendum, Brexit voters describe themselves as middle class, educated but dissatisfied with life

A year since the vote to leave the European Union, new research has found that Brexit voters are more likely to describe themselves as middle class, educated and fed up, rather than angry and working class.

Exeter’s teaching excellence officially recognised as ‘gold standard’

The University of Exeter’s commitment to providing world-class teaching has been recognised with the award of a “Gold” rating in the first national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment.

An evidence gathering session to review the legal, education, and policy frameworks for religious education (RE), will be held at Exeter on 20th June

Experts and stakeholders will present evidence between 2.30pm-7.00pm. Members of the public are welcome to observe both sessions.

Ancient city found in Ethiopia sheds new light on country’s history

Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient, forgotten city in Ethiopia once thought to be the home of giants.

New website to help voters make General Election choice

Voters struggling to decide where to put their mark on the ballot paper in the General Election can get advice from a new website which allows them to compare promises made by politicians.

New Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the University of Sydney

The MoU seeks to foster closer collaboration between Exeter’s Politics Department and the Sydney Democracy Network, an internationally influential network of researchers, activists, and policy makers.

Global schools programme provides ‘inoculation against extremist violence’, academics find

The Tony Blair Institute’s global dialogue programme makes teenagers more resilient to recruitment by extremists.

Teachers who write themselves can boost children’s confidence in creative writing

Giving teachers time and support to become creative writers has helped them motivate their students, according to the findings of a two-year research project.

Rules for space warfare to be drawn up

An international coalition of lawyers is to draft the first ever legal manual of space warfare.

No evidence that enrichment activities encourage pupils to study STEM A-levels, research finds

There is no evidence to suggest enrichment activities run to interest pupils in science, technology, engineering and maths results in significantly higher numbers of teenagers studying these subjects at A-level.

Exeter Law School and Graduate School of Education success at the Teaching Awards 2017

The University of Exeter’s best lecturers were recognised by students at the Teaching Awards 2017 on 2 May, and two academic staff in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies were recognised for their contribution to their students’ experience.

Students graduate from Pathways to Law programme

29 students from 13 schools and colleges from across the South West region graduated from the Pathways to Law programme.

Exeter collaborates with Chinese University on Takeover Law workshop

The University of Exeter and Tsinghua Law Schools are organising a joint workshop gathering together experts on takeover law. The workshop will be hosted at Tsinghua Law School on Sunday 20 May.

The University of Exeter has co-organised a workshop on Populism at the prestigious Fudan University in China.

Exeter academics from both the College of Social Sciences and International Studies and the College of Humanities came together with their counterparts at Fudan.

University of Exeter teacher training rated as among the best courses in the country

Teacher training courses at the University of Exeter have been ranked as among the best in the country.

Educational equality expert to begin new role at the University of Exeter

A leading expert on social mobility and educational inequality has been appointed to work to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to study at the University of Exeter.

Outdated divorce law causes needlessly painful and destructive breakups, new research finds

Outdated divorce law is causing needlessly painful and destructive breakups and exacerbating conflict between couples, a major new study has found.

Politics academics complete high profile visit to Korea.

The visit helped to reinforce and celebrate the excellent relationship that Exeter enjoys with the South Korean Government.

Cabinet Minister visits University - and gives students tips on how to become an MP

Cabinet Minister David Lidington visited the University of Exeter today and met academics who have given evidence to Parliament and students studying politics and history.

University of Exeter expert helping to boost open science in Europe

Dr Sabina Leonelli is helping to boost the amount of science research in Europe which will be openly available for all to read without charge.

Republicans less likely to be critical about Obamacare when reminded about their own medical needs

US Republican voters are less likely to be critical about the performance of the controversial “Obamacare” health reforms when they are reminded about their own medical needs, new research shows.

Top social scientist boosts Exeter’s research excellence

One of the UK’s leading social scientists is joining the University of Exeter from her previous post as Chief Executive of the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC).

PhD studentships for September 2017 entry announced

We’re delighted to announce four PhD studentships supervised by LEEP colleagues, which are funded thanks to our links with external research partners, The John Oldacre Foundation, and our alumni.

Austrian university and South West college students join to brush up on their mooting skills

Unique collaborative mooting event hosted by the University of Exeter brought together students from the University of Graz in Austria and students from Petroc College.

Eminent judge shares experience of long legal career with students

Eminent judge Elizabeth Butler-Sloss shared fascinating insights into her long legal career and current work debating Brexit in the House of Lords during a visit to the University of Exeter.

Celebrating 10 years of European Research Council funding

The University of Exeter will commemorate the 10^th anniversary of the European Research Council (ERC) with a celebratory public event at the Streatham Campus.

Project tackling barriers to Higher Education receives £500,000 funding boost

A pioneering new project which seeks to tackle potential barriers faced by students with vocational qualifications when they enter higher education, has received a significant funding boost.

Exploring the economic value of trees’ social and environmental benefits

The social and environmental outputs of woodlands play a much broader role in the economy than is often recognised, according to a new Research Report by the University of Exeter for the Forestry Commission.

Biggest ever archive of children’s writing created to help experts assess language skills

Experts will collect the most extensive archive to date of children’s school work as part of a major project seeking to track how the way they use language changes as they get older.

Secrets of light and colour in butterflies and photography revealed at science masterclass

Children learned how physics brings light and colour to photography and makes insects iridescent as part of a fun masterclass at the University of Exeter.

First comprehensive legal guide for cyber behaviour published by University of Exeter expert

The first comprehensive guide covering the legal rules of behaviour in cyberspace, which will be used by governments around the world, has been published by a University of Exeter academic.

Listening to music can improve unconscious attitudes towards other cultures

Listening to five minutes of West African or Indian pop music can give the listener more positive attitudes towards those cultures, research from the Universities of Oxford and Exeter has found.

University of Exeter Law School expert honoured by the Estonian Government

A University of Exeter expert has been honoured by the Estonian Government for his pioneering work in international law.

Exeter Primary School Children take on Plato and Aristotle

Great philosophical questions such as ‘What is art?’ and ‘Should you always tell the truth?’, are being debated by Exeter primary school children, with the help of University of Exeter philosophers.

University of Exeter expert urges Government to implement new laws to protect the environment

Progress on the Government’s long term plan for the environment is too slow and politicians should act more quickly to safeguard our natural resources, a University of Exeter expert has said.

Celebrity divorce lawyer backs research to help strengthen couple relationships

Prominent divorce lawyer Baroness Shackleton is funding new University of Exeter research which could help uncover the secret of finding life-long love.

Legal training for aid workers to help protect migrant children from exploitation

Aid workers in refugee camps and shelters in Greece are receiving legal training to help keep migrant children safe thanks to an expert from the University of Exeter.

New translation opens a window into the world of the ‘father of genetics’

For decades the “father of genetics” Gregor Mendel has been portrayed as living an isolated, monk-like existence, cut off from society.

Exeter Law Professor Addresses NATO Secretary-General and North Atlantic Council on Cyber Law

On 19 January, Professor Mike Schmitt spoke on international law of cyber operation to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Deputy Secretary-General Rose Gottemoeller, and the North Atlantic Council (NAC).

Experts secure £5m to protect the South West’s natural capital

A partnership of three research institutions, led by the University of Exeter, has secured a £5m award to help protect the beautiful natural resources and the jobs dependent on them in the South West.

Enrichment activities to encourage children to study science, technology and mathematics have no impact on results

Enrichment activities to encourage pupils to study science and technology subjects have made no difference to their performance in mathematics exams, new research shows.

Top Think Tank visits Exeter for Research Networking and Partnership Building

On Saturday 3 December, the University of Exeter welcomed a senior delegation from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

Swedish diplomat speaks about Sweden’s Feminist Foreign Policy and post-Brexit relations

CSSIS student project 'Diplomatic Hub' organised a visit from Minister Counsellor Ulrika Funered, Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of Sweden

The Prince of Wales praises work of University of Exeter farming experts

The Prince of Wales has praised the work of University of Exeter experts to help support small family farms.

Research reveals that ‘Singapore’ approach to teaching maths can work in UK classrooms

Mastery – an approach to teaching maths commonly used in East Asian countries – can significantly benefit children in UK schools, a University of Exeter academic has found.

Iceland's crowd sourced constitution, the anarchist take

The disconnect between voters and politicians has been cited as the cause of many current challenges in modern politics, from Brexit to the growth in support for extremist views around Europe.

University of Exeter to play host to a festival of stories

Michael Morpurgo, Meg Rosoff and David Almond are among the top authors taking part in Exeter’s festival of writing for and by young people during October half term.

Exeter expert urges scrutiny of genome editing

New methods of genome editing which could increase food production rates in farmed animals require urgent ethical scrutiny, according to a University of Exeter expert.

University of Exeter student success in international awards

University of Exeter social sciences students have been successful in an academic competition referred to as the “junior Nobel Prize”.

New Nuffield award hopes to influence the future of British farming

Nuffield Farming is awarding University of Exeter academic, Professor Michael Winter, with a Scholarship to study for the first Nuffield Farming Lecture.

Official launch of the #RU2Drunk breathalyser scheme in Weymouth

Suspected drunks trying to get into pubs and clubs in Weymouth could be breathalysed and refused entry from Friday 16 September.

Rural policy expert appointed as Government advisor

University of Exeter rural policy expert Professor Michael Winter OBE has been appointed as a Government advisor to help protect England’s natural environment.

World-leading international law expert takes up post at Exeter Law School

Exeter Law School is delighted to announce that Professor Michael N. Schmitt has joined the School on a full-time basis.

University of Exeter expert helps bring online courts one step nearer to reality

New online courts for civil cases designed to help make the justice system more user-friendly could be introduced, thanks in part to the work of a University of Exeter academic.

Theresa May’s support highest among 'Bregretful' Conservatives

New Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed her commitment to Brexit, but she is liked most by Conservative voters who regret voting to leave, a new survey suggests.

University of Exeter agricultural economist awarded honorary doctorate

A University of Exeter expert has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Royal Veterinary College for his outstanding contribution to promoting animal health and welfare.

Major study reveals steep decline in number of small family farms

A major new independent study commissioned by The Prince’s Countryside Fund into the future of small family farms across the UK, has revealed a steep decline in numbers since the beginning of the century.

Further improvements to recruitment, retention and training of Army Reserve Forces needed

Improvements to the way that Army Reserve Forces are trained and supported are needed if recruitment targets are to be met.

University of Exeter experts to provide crucial advice to farmers, government and communities

Senior politicians have welcomed work by University of Exeter academics to promote smart decision-making which will safeguard the environment.

Experts from around the world gather to discuss challenges of warfare

Representatives from the armed forces of several nations, NATO and the International Committee of the Red Cross joined Exeter academics to debate some of the most pressing legal challenges facing military operations.

UK votes to leave the European Union – what does this mean for us?

As you will undoubtedly be aware, the UK has voted to leave the European Union.

New research shows South West farmers concerned by Brexit

Farmers have expressed concern about the unknown implications of Britain leaving the European Union, according to a new survey by experts at the University of Exeter.

University to chair EU referendum discussions

Experts from the University of Exeter are to host a special two-part discussion series about whether the UK should stay or leave the European Union.

University of Exeter academic to advise US Government

A University of Exeter expert will advise the US Government and policy makers around the world on warfare after being appointed to a prestigious new role.

ISIS propaganda collected in real time

University of Exeter experts will collect large amounts of propaganda put on the internet by Islamic State terrorists in real time to understand how it radicalises people.

University placed 35th globally in latest influential rankings

The University of Exeter has reinforced its position amongst the leading universities both nationally and internationally, according to the latest influential global rankings.

Exeter’s Q-Step Centre launches video series to offer quantitative methods lessons in an accessible and innovative way

The video series comprises 9 videos where researchers talked through one of their seminar papers and explained the methods they used

Politics and International Relations Success at the Teaching Awards 2016

The University of Exeter’s best lecturers were recognised by students at the Teaching Awards 2016 on 28 April, and three academic staff in our Politics and International Relations department were recognised for their contribution to their students’ experience.