Our Department will contribute to long-term basic research and academic development in the fields of sociology, political science, sport science and media science. This provides a foundation for research-based teaching and involvement in topical social issues. We will contribute to new insight and knowledge in the continuing development of theories, methods and empirically-based research, and we will continue to develop and renew our already strong academic environments, and encourage the establishment and reinforcement of new research groups inour strategically important areas of focus. 

Strategic Areas of Focus 2018-2025 

The Department has 11 focus areas in research. Within these areas there are projects and research groups:

• Comparative Politics, Political Systems and Development Patterns
• Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development
• Governance, Public Policy and Administration
• International Conflicts, Cooperation and Use of Power
• Local and Regional Social Development
• Political Behaviour and Political Communication
• Political Economy
• Sports and Physical Activity
• Technology and Society
• Welfare and Inequality
• Work, Organisation and Mobility