Dr Harpreet Bains BA (Hons), PCHE, PhD

Dr Harpreet Bains is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Greenwich, where she has been a dedicated member of the academic staff since 2016. Specialising in social theory, ethnicity, gender and PE and Sport. Harpreet also leads on supporting students on research methods and academic skills modules. Harpreet has made significant contributions to both teaching and research in the field of sociology, with a particular focus on the South Asian community in the UK.

Harpreet believes in the power of education to transform lives and is passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. She has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within education and her work reflects a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by both society and the academic community. Her courses are known for their rigor and relevance, drawing on contemporary sociological debates while also encouraging students to engage critically with societal issues, particularly those related to race, identity, gender and social inequality.

Harpreet has made notable contributions to curriculum design, having worked with two higher education institutions in the UK to validate, design, and write degree programs. This experience has given her a unique perspective on the intersection of academic rigor and practical application. She is committed to ensuring that course content is not only intellectually stimulating, inclusive and diverse, but also reflective of the technological and socio-economic changes shaping the modern world. This is especially evident in her work around the development and delivery of course materials and assessments that are aligned with the needs of students and employers alike.

Post held previously

2012 - Newham College University Centre
Harpreet managed, designed and organised the successful re-validation of the Combined Studies degree at Newham University Centre. A key requisite of the re-validation process was to embed employability skills and assessments into the module content. Harpreet also lectured on Sociology of Sport, Research Methods, Feminism and Masculinities, Constructing Social Identity, Contrasts and Continuities, Race, Ethnicity and Racism, Academic Skills and Critical Thinking.

2009 - Havering College of FE & HE
Harpreet was responsible for validating degrees for the college with the Open University Validating Service. The validation process included overseeing and writing Sociology, English, Psychology and Religious Studies degrees. The job also entailed employing suitable candidates for lecturing on the relevant degrees. Working as a Manager, Harpreet was responsible for chairing assessment boards and departmental meetings as well as managing staff and students. She managed the Learning Disability Studies, Combined Studies and Youth and Community Programmes (BA (Hons).

2007 – Edinburgh University
As a research fellow, on the PODOSA (Prevention of Diabetes and Obesity in South Asians) trial, Harpreet was responsible for conducting a qualitative study exploring families' and individuals' perceptions of 'health' and experiences of physical activity. The research entailed working with health professionals, interviewing and conducting literature searches on issues of widening participation of ethnic minority groups in the health service.

2005 – University of Sheffield
Harpreet was responsible for teaching on the Race and Racism module, which included writing and giving weekly lectures as well as being responsible for all relevant administrative duties, seminars, marking essays and exam scripts. She was also responsible for undergraduate dissertation students as well as contributing to the supervision of MA and PhD students.