--- title: "Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology" description: "Discover Arden University's Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology, offering diverse programs that empower students to understand and impact society positively." canonical: "https://arden.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-social-sciences-and-technology" published: 2025-01-08 updated: 2026-08-26 author: "Arden University" --- # Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology ## The Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology at Arden University is passionate about enriching the lives of others. About the school Education is central to our mission. We offer learning opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and locations. Our goal is to unite individuals, empower them to contribute to their communities, and help shape the future of society and the natural world. The faculty is actively engaged with global communities and conducts various applied research and interdisciplinary activities to enhance our students' experiences and prepare them for the workforce. We provide dedicated and personalised support to all students, ensuring they thrive and succeed in their future endeavours. Arden in numbers Top 5 in the UK In July 2025 we were named the 5th best university in the UK for student satisfaction (National Student Survey). 4.6 on TrustPilot Our Trustpilot score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 842 user reviews places us above many leading universities. 9 global study locations Study from anywhere online, on campus in Berlin, or at one of our eight UK campuses, including three locations in London. \#1 UK Higher Education Institution Awarded to Arden University at the EducationInvestor Awards 2026 for our commitment to investment in higher education. ## Faculty staff ![Professor John Parkinson, PhD, PGDip, FHEA](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2025-12/John%20P.png) ***A future-facing faculty preparing graduates for an AI-enabled world*** Hello, I’m Professor John Parkinson, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Technology (FoSST) at Arden University. I joined Arden after twenty-five years of research, teaching, and leadership in UK higher education. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for understanding human behaviour and creating learning environments that help people thrive. My academic career has centred on behavioural science, human motivation, applied research, and public policy. Beyond academia, I am a qualified counsellor and a strong advocate for student-centred, future-focused education. These experiences have shown me how quickly society shifts — and how vital it is that education keeps pace. At Arden, we are committed to ensuring that every student encounters an AI-infused curriculum, develops the literacies needed to thrive in data-rich workplaces, and learns to apply technology ethically and insightfully to real-world challenges. Throughout the Faculty, we have a deep commitment to applied, interdisciplinary learning, preparing students for the complexities of an evolving world. Across psychology, computing and data science, criminology, law, and the social sciences, our faculty brings together disciplines that are all being reshaped by artificial intelligence and rapid technological change. With the university’s new investment and strategic focus on digital transformation, our mission is clear: to prepare graduates who can harness the power of AI responsibly, creatively, and confidently. We champion interdisciplinary thinking because the future will demand nothing less. Whatever programme you study, you will experience learning that is flexible, applied, technology-enabled, and grounded in strong academic foundations. Our goal is to not only help you succeed academically, but to ensure you graduate ready for the emerging AI-augmented professions of the future — resilient, skilled, and able to make a positive impact on society. Welcome to the Faculty of Social Sciences & Technology. I look forward to supporting you as we build this ambitious, future-ready community together. Professor John Parkinson, PhD, PGDip, FHEA Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Technology ## Faculty staff ![Dr. Steve Johnston](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2026-05/Dr.%20Steve%20Johnston.png) Dr Steve Johnston has joined Arden University in November 2025 as the new Associate Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology. Steve holds an undergraduate degree in Astrophysics and Psychology from Keele University and earned a PhD at the Centre for Applied Mathematics and Computation (CAMAC) in Coventry in 2002. After early experience developing software for a 3D scanning firm, Steve transitioned to academia, focusing on brain imaging research at Bangor University.There, he investigated the neural mechanisms of object recognition and the links between brain activity and human information processing capacity. Following this, Steve lectured in Psychology at Brunel University before joining Swansea University in 2012 as Senior Lecturer. He became Head of School in 2019 and, in 2021, Associate Dean for the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science. In this role, Steve has led the delivery of traditional and professional healthcare programmes, driven curriculum innovation, and implemented enhancement strategies informed by data-driven insights. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Dr. Steve Johnston Associate Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Technology ![Dr. Emma Winlow](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_low/public/2022-10/IMG_3568.JPG) Dr. Emma Winlow Head of School - Criminology, Criminal Justice and Law ![Professor Caroline Bowman](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_low/public/2025-12/Bowman.jpg) Professor Caroline Bowman Head of School - Psychology ## Subject areas Computing and IT ![Computing and IT](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_low/public/2021-05/ld-computing-and-IT%402x.jpg) [Learn more](/our-courses/subject/computing-it) Psychology ![Psychology](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_low/public/2021-05/ld-psychology%402x.jpg) [Learn more](/our-courses/subject/psychology-sociology) Law ![Law](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_low/public/2019-02/hero-crim-law.jpg) [Learn more](/our-courses/subject/law) Criminology ![Criminology](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_low/public/2021-05/ld-criminology%402x.jpg) [Learn more](/our-courses/subject/criminology) Investigation, Security and Defence ![Investigation, Security and Defence](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_low/public/2022-06/BSc%20%28Hons%29%20Forensic%20and%20Criminal%20Investigation%20course%20brochure-v2%20SS.jpg) [Learn more](/our-courses/subjects/forensic-and-criminal-investigation) ## Student Stories ![Maryanne Sanyaolu](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/student_card_low/public/2021-05/d-student-maryanne%402x.jpg?VersionId=XZYeHPFJwQ52lm2MEPG97_JilDVPSLTW&itok=JvDO9iN4) Maryanne Sanyaolu LLB (Hons) Studying at Arden University has been great because I have now got that balance to run my family, work part time, and also study online. So it’s been really fulfilling that I can do a degree while looking after my family. ![Shauna O'Brian](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/student_card_low/public/2021-05/Shauna%20%282%29.png?VersionId=I6VsayexfqJVXT8fG6d5IQU9AVuWd7DU&itok=RRbYEKkV) Shauna O'Brian MSc Psychology Psychology is throughout every single career you could possibly want to achieve. ![Ryan Walsh](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/student_card_low/public/2021-05/Ryan%20Walsh.png?VersionId=TesHS4_iwfSAQTrx95ouj5WCbl3OSrZ_&itok=EnVE-iUX) Ryan Walsh BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology Don't listen to those who tell you can't do things, just get your head down and get it done. ![Jonathan Alexander](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/student_card_low/public/2021-05/Jonathan%20Alexander.png?VersionId=pVyRR1DpI82eTo8N1nVXnRx2hDbwnlZu&itok=Kj8inhup) Jonathan Alexander BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology The course offered me everything, the skill sets and base knowledge that I need to progress on. ` ## Latest News 6 must-reads for anyone interested in psychology News ![6 Must-Reads for Anyone Interested in Psychology](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/news_story_low/public/2021-05/6%20Must-Reads%20for%20Anyone%20Interested%20in%20Psychology%20636x800_0.png?VersionId=mVTtH2VLEsJTPPupDDpgu_a4ypyqdKw_&itok=qfmoRagv) [Learn more](/knowledge-base/subject-areas/psychology-sociology/6-must-reads-anyone-interested-psychology) 4 careers you can pursue with a psychology degree News ![4 Careers You can Pursue with a Psychology Degree](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/news_story_low/public/2021-07/4%20Careers%20You%20can%20Pursue%20with%20a%20Psychology%20Degree%20standard%20card.png?VersionId=ExatU1uOSck2VwEUBO4TGPero4WzVt9E&itok=ue05AjIk) [Learn more](/knowledge-base/subject-areas/psychology-sociology/4-careers-psychology-degree) 4 signs you could make the perfect lawyer News ![4 Signs You Could Make the Perfect Lawyer](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/news_story_low/public/2020-04/Thumbnail_0.jpg?VersionId=Rv6Sp.XVnw0XyNg772x_gCiTNH9v9D3P&itok=Tazoijrx) [Learn more](/knowledge-base/subject-areas/criminology-and-law/4-signs-you-could-make-perfect-lawyer) The changing landscape of psychological research News ![The Changing Landscape of Psychological Research](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/news_story_low/public/2020-03/KB1348%20-%20thumbnail.png?VersionId=1vyoh5YtyZ99wXhDeKVmOMjzCmtlijGy&itok=mAzT8YsO) [Learn more](/knowledge-base/subject-areas/psychology-sociology/changing-landscape-psychological-research) ## Accrediting bodies and industry partners ![The British Psychological Society (BPS)](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/2021-05/bps-logo-colour.png) The British Psychological Society (BPS) The single-subject psychology degree courses at the School of Psychology are accredited by The British Psychological Society, the representative body for professional psychologists in the UK. ![The Association for Business Psychology (ABP)](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/2022-07/ABP%20Logo%20Transparent%20%281%29%20%281%29.png) The Association for Business Psychology (ABP) The Association for Business Psychology (ABP) works to provide information, training, and support for those interested in business psychology, to promote professional excellence, and to demonstrate the effective application and impact of business psychology in the workplace. ## Further resources Events and Open Days Get involved with Arden by signing up to our free online events and webinars. [Learn more](/knowledge-base/virtual-events-webinars/upcoming-events) Chat with a student Chat to one of our student ambassadors and find out what it’s really like to study with us. [Learn more](https://arden.ac.uk/chat-with-our-students) What our students say Read what our students and graduates have to say about their study experience. [Learn more](/studying-with-us/what-our-students-say1) Refer a friend Get financial rewards by recommending a friend or family member to study with Arden. [Learn more](https://arden.ac.uk/refer) Fast track your career Our bachelor’s degree students may be entitled to a 50% discount on a master’s after graduating. [Learn more](/studying-with-us/career-fast-track) Fees and funding Find out how we help make funding your degree course more convenient. 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