Peter Hemming

Dr. Peter Hemming is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Surrey, specializing in the sociology of education, religion, childhood, and citizenship. His research examines how institutions like schools shape young citizens amid social and religious change, focusing on mindfulness, non-religion, and therapeutic cultures. He holds a PhD from the University of Leeds and has held roles at Cardiff University and Brunel University.

• Education:
  • PhD in Sociology, University of Leeds (2009)
  • MA Social Research, University of Leeds (2006)
  • PGCE Primary (2003)
  • BA (Hons) Geography, University of Sheffield (2002)
• Roles at Surrey:
  • Director of Employability & Senior Placements Tutor (Sociology)
  • Inequalities and Diversities Research Group Lead
  • Programme Director, Sociology BSc (Hons)

His research projects include the Leverhulme-funded 'Becoming Citizens of Post-secular Britain' (2022–2025), investigating religion's role in citizenship education. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and co-authored Religion in the Primary School (2015). Hemming is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and active in professional organizations like the British Sociological Association.

Grants and Impact: His work on religious diversity in schools has informed UK primary school guidelines, emphasizing inclusive practices. Supervised PhD students focus on topics like sexuality education barriers and first-generation undergraduates' impacts on families.