The Social Justice Institute is a research centre focused on how law can be used to build a more equal society.
The Social Justice Institute brings together academics and others with expertise to collaborate on world-leading research on social justice. We combine traditional legal research with ground-breaking interdisciplinary methods to tackle entrenched problems of poverty, access to justice, human trafficking, immigration and asylum. We work in partnership with individuals, communities and organisations directly connected to the problems of social injustice, to develop research and policy that advances the principles of dignity, respect, empowerment, human rights and sustainability. Uniquely, our research connects to our multi-award-winning Law Clinic where our postgraduate Law students offer free legal advice and representation to the public, and to our Legal Innovation Centre, which creates a participatory approach to public legal education.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 82% of our Law research at Ulster has been rated as world-leading and internationally excellent, across outputs, impact and environment.
Research Themes
Our research focuses on:
- Social security law and policy
- Litigants in person
- Access to Justice
- Poverty, particularly how it impacts women
- Citizenship and human rights
- Legal design and innovation
- Law and culture
Purpose
Bringing together academics and others with expertise to collaborate on high quality research on social justice
Vision
To produce robust, socially relevant research to explore and advance the role of law to create a more equal society
Values
We are committed to doing research that advances the principles of dignity, respect, empowerment, human rights and sustainability.
Research Projects
PhD opportunities in Law
The Social Justice Institute hosts a lively and dynamic PhD cohort at our Belfast and Magee campuses.
Resources for your application:
