Stephen Handsley

Dr. Stephen Handsley is a Senior Lecturer in Health Studies and Programme Leader for the BA Sociology degree at De Montfort University, within the School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. He is actively engaged in teaching, research, and professional service in the fields of medical sociology, public health, and interdisciplinary education.

His educational background includes a BA in Sociology from the University of Derby, a PhD from the University of Warwick focusing on cultural constructions of mourning in the Irish Catholic community, and a PGCertHE with Distinction from De Montfort University, reflecting his commitment to pedagogical excellence.

Stephen Handsley’s research interests center on social and cultural identity, performativity, death and dying, medical sociology, and public health. He explores methodological challenges in researching hard-to-reach communities, grief, and community development. His work emphasizes qualitative methodologies, interdisciplinary teaching, and widening participation in higher education. He is particularly interested in role performance in health and social care and the intersection of faith, mental health, and deviance.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on pedagogy, community engagement, and public health. Themes include reflective learning in palliative care, the sociology of nursing, health promotion, and the impact of international field trips on community collaboration. The articles show a strong commitment to critical public health, interdisciplinary approaches, and innovative teaching methods.

• United Kingdom Public Health Association (UKPHA) – Member since 2007
• British Sociological Association (BSA) – Member since 2000
• East Midlands Teaching Public Health Steering Group – Member since 2007
• PG Certificate in Palliative Care Steering Group, LOROS Hospice – Member since 2006

Stephen Handsley has been involved in consultancy for Coventry City Council on evaluation in health promotion and public health. He has led and contributed to multiple publications and edited volumes, particularly in public health education. He supervises student research and contributes to curriculum development across sociology and health studies programs. His teaching spans modules on sociological imagination, identity, health and disease, and applied social research.

He is affiliated with research groups including the Health Policy Research Unit and the Reproduction Research Group at DMU, contributing to interdisciplinary research on health policy and social aspects of reproduction. His work fosters pedagogic innovation and community-based learning, reflecting a strong commitment to civic engagement and public sociology.