Professor Nicola Ansell
Head of Department / Professor - Human Geography
Marie Jahoda 204
- Email: nicola.ansell@brunel.ac.uk
- Tel: +44 (0)1895 266085
- Anthropology
- Social Science and Communications
- College of Arts, Law and Social Sciences
Summary
Since I arrived at Brunel in 1999, my interests have focused on social and cultural change in the lives of young people in the Global South (particularly southern Africa). I have researched the impacts of AIDS on young people’s migration; how education sectors are adjusting to the needs of AIDS-affected young people; and the impacts of AIDS on young people’s current livelihoods and future food security. Recently, I have completed two research projects. The first examines the impacts of social cash transfers (for instance old age pensions and child grants) on generational relations in Malawi and Lesotho. The second investigates links between education and aspiration in remote rural areas of Lesotho, Laos and India. I have also authored a book on Children, youth and development (second edition published 2016) and launched an MA programme on Children, Youth and International Development and more recently undergraduate programmes in Geography.
Qualifications
MA (University of Cambridge)
PhD (Keele University)
Responsibility
Administrative Responsibilities:
- Head of Department, Social and Political Sciences
- REF Coordinator, Geography
- Elected member of Senate
Newest selected publications
van Blerk, L., Hlabana, T., Hemsteede, R., Ansell, N., Hajdu, F., Robson, E. and et al. (2026) 'The Impacts of Pensions on Older People's Socio-Spatial Care Relations as They Age in Networks in Rural Lesotho'. Population, Space and Place, 32 (4). pp. 1 - 11. ISSN: 1544-8444 Open Access Link
Ansell, N., Hemsteede, R., Hajdu, F., Hlabana, T., van Blerk, L., Mwathunga, E. and et al. (2026) 'Household targeting of social cash transfer programmes: transnational poverty alleviation and community subversion in Malawi and Lesotho'. Geoforum, 170. pp. 1 - 10. ISSN: 0016-7185 Open Access Link
Ansell, N. (2025) 'Innovating for the Anthropocene in rural Lesotho schools'. Revue internationale d'éducation de Sèvres, HS - 4. pp. 1 - 4. ISSN: 1254-4590 Open Access Link
Hajdu, F., van Blerk, L., Ansell, N., Hemsteede, R., Mwathunga, E., Hlabana, T. and et al. (2024) 'Livelihood Trajectories of Rural Young People in Southern Africa: Stuck in Loops?'. Development and Change, 55 (3). pp. 465 - 492. ISSN: 0012-155X Open Access Link
Ansell, N., Froerer, P. and Huijsmans, R. (2022) 'Young People’s Aspirations in an Uncertain World: Taking Control of the Future?'. Sociological Research Online, 27 (4). pp. 795 - 802. ISSN: 1360-7804 Open Access Link