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Leaders of research into children, parenting and families since 1973.

Unit Co-Directors: Professor and ProfessorÌý

The Thomas Coram Research Unit (TCRU) is highly regarded for itsÌýpolicy impact. Our research projects utilise a variety of innovative social research methods, ranging from ethnographic studies of children's everyday lives to international comparisons of parental leave policies and impact studies of services for children and families. We are strongly international in our collaborations and networks. 2023 markedÌýthe 50th anniversary year for TCRU.

About us

Background

TCRU was established in 1973 by the psychologist Professor Jack Tizard and grew out of a critique of the institutionalisation of the care of young children in health and education settings.

We have a long history of researching those children and families that are most vulnerable to economic and social adversity. Today. TCRU’s research areas also include migration, gender, work and diverse families. Our centre has a wealth of expertise in a wide range of research methods and a particular tradition in cross-national and multi-method research designs.

ÌýOn the occasion of our 50th anniversary, an open-access book was published, containing contributions from past and present members of TCRU: – Edited by Claire Cameron, Alison Koslowski, Alison Lamont, and Peter Moss, ÂÒÂ×Ðã Press.Ìý

Other initiatives organised in the context of the 50th anniversary include the blog post and the podcasts Families, fatherhood and the futureÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýRace, multiculture, and conviviality.

People

We are a thriving community of over 40 staff and 50 PhD students, as well as our honorary fellows, professors and research visitors.

The unit co-directors are Professor Mette Louise Berg and Professor Alison Koslowski. They are supported by the other unit leadership team members: Dr Humera Iqbal, Professor Katherine Twamley and Dr Jenny Woodman.

We work with a wide range of community partners at local, national and international levels.

Co-Directors

• , Professor of Migration and Diaspora Studies
• , Professor of Social Policy

Academic staff

• - Postdoctoral Research Fellow Ìý
• , Research Fellow
• , Lecturer in Social Psychology
• , Professor of Social Pedagogy
• , Lecturer in Social AnthropologyÌý
• , Research Fellow
• ,ÌýAssociate Professor in Social ScienceÌý
• , Associate Professor in Sociology
• , Lecturer in Social PsychologyÌý
• ,ÌýProfessor in Social Psychology
• , Research Fellow
• , Lecturer in Social Research
• , Lecturer in Social Research
• , Lecturer in Social Anthropology
• , Associate Professor in Social Psychology
• , Lecturer in Sociology
• , Lecturer in Social Policy
• , Lecturer in Sociology
• Mehek Muftee, Lecturer in Sociology
• , Professor in Psychosocial Studies
• , Associate ProfessorÌýin Psychology
• , Associate Professor in Political Sociology
• , Lecturer in Sociology
• , Lecturer in Sociology
• , Associate Professor in Sociology
• , Research Fellow
• , Associate Professor in Child and Family Policy

Emeriti, Honorary Researchers and Professors

• , Visiting ProfessorÌý
• , Professor in the Sociology of the Family
• Professor Alison Clark, Honorary Senior Research FellowÌý
• , Honorary Professor
• Susan Golombok, Honorary Professor
• , Professor of Social Studies and Education
• , Honorary ProfessorÌý
• , Professor in Early Childhood Provision
• Mavis Maclean CBE, Honorary Professor
• , Professor of Child and Family PolicyÌý
• , Honorary Senior Research Fellow
• Pamela Oberhuemer, Honorary Senior Research Fellow
• , Professor in Education
• , Professor of the Psychology of the Family
• , Professor of Education and Family Support
• , Professor in Development Psychology
• , Associate ProfessorÌýin Social Psychology
• , Research fellow

Professional Support Staff

• Anjum Chowdhury, Academic Administrator
• Joanne English, Departmental Administrator and PA to Professor Toby Seddon

Study with us

Programmes

We teach and supervise undergraduate, Master's, PhD and post-doctoral students across the social sciences.

Undergraduate study

• Social Sciences BSc

Students on this course learn to understand and analyse complex global and social issues, gain multidisciplinary training in research skills, and learn how different research methods contribute to understanding real world phenomena. Students conduct an independent research project for their dissertation in the third year.ÌýÌý

• Sociology BSc

The BSc Sociology blends local and global sociological perspectives to examine contemporary social issues and transformations, ranging from environmental risks and climate change, to the intensification of inequalities, and imaginings of the future. Students will graduate with the skills and mindset appropriate to tackling the challenges of 21st century society. You will also have the opportunity to study abroad for one academic year.

Doctoral study

• Social ScienceÌýMPhil/ PhD

TCRU offers a rich and supportive research culture for doctoral students.

Applications to undertake PhD training and research in any of our areas of interest are welcome.Ìý

Further information

• Contact theÌýDepartmental Graduate TutorÌýif you have any further questions.
• Read more about doctoral studies, policies and procedures:Ìý

Our activities