School of Social and Political Science

School of Social and Political Science

For as long as we have society, we'll need social scientists.

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Study with us

Across all our programmes, students are encouraged to question the social, political and technological systems and structures that surround us.

Explore our programmes

Postgraduate Online Learning Open Days 19-21 May 2026

Online learning with the School of Social and Political Science. 
The classroom is wherever you are. Come and see how it works.

MSc Global Challenges (Online Learning) 
20 May 15:00 BST		MSc International Development (Online Learning) 
21 May 16:00 BST
A flexible, stackable masters built from three standalone PGCerts - study them in any order, exit at any stage with a credential. Find out how the multidisciplinary structure works and meet the team behind it.Tackle the structural challenges shaping people, communities and institutions across the Global South. Hosted by the Centre of African Studies, this session covers what you'll study, how the cohort works, and how the programme fits around full-time work.

Join us online for our live sessions and speak directly to the programme directors. 

Online learning in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the University of Edinburgh.
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Research

Our researchers are tackling some of the biggest issues facing society today, aiming to understand a world that’s changing more rapidly than ever.

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Subject areas

Our subject areas are the heartbeat of our School, with communities of staff and students working together across the social sciences to explore, challenge and identify how to create better societies.
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Students

Whether you’re a current student or you want to join us, you’ll find all the information you need about studying, academic life, and all our support and services here.

Latest news

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Kirsten Jenkins
27/04/2026
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Dr Kirsten Jenkins joins RSE’s new Research Leadership Scheme to support Scotland’s green future

Dr Kirsten Jenkins is among 13 of Scotland’s most promising academics chosen for the inaugural cohort of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s new Research Leadership Scheme.
electriccar
21/04/2026
Sociology

Electric car-sharing scheme shows vehicle-to-grid technology is ready to scale, say University of Edinburgh researchers

A new policy report co-authored by University of Edinburgh researchers finds that Utrecht’s pioneering vehicle-to-grid car-sharing project demonstrates that EV batteries can deliver grid flexibility at scale — and offers a replicable model for cities around the world.
steve yearley
20/04/2026
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

SPS professor to deliver inaugural Trevor Pinch Memorial Lecture at Cornell

Professor Steven Yearley will inaugurate a prestigious new international lecture series at Cornell University, delivering his talk on Earth Day, 22 April 2026.
qs
15/04/2026
Centre of African Studies

SPS subject areas climb in 2026 QS world subject rankings

Five School of Social and Political Science (SPS) subject areas have improved or maintained their standing among the world's leading universities, according to the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject — with Social Policy regaining its top 10 position.

Upcoming events

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New Directions Conference
06 - 07 May 2026
09:00 - 15:30
Sociology

New Directions Conference

Registration for the New Directions Conference 2026: Sociology for Good: Contributions to Contemporary Challenges is now open!

Join us to hear from our academic community on the latest sociological research and thinking. Network with colleagues in the subject area whilst enjoying lunch and refreshments across the two days.
event poster
07 May 2026
09:00 - 18:30

Centre for Security Research and Foreign Policy Research Group 2026 Conference - Foreign Policy and Security in Times of Uncertainty

Join us to explore foreign policy and security in times of uncertainty.
DOHR Seminar 07 May 2026
07 May 2026
15:00 - 17:00
Social Work

Digital Oral Histories for Reconciliation (DOHR)

Digital Oral Histories for Reconciliation (DOHR) is an educational innovation developed with former residents of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children to support truth-telling, learning, and responsibility in the aftermath of systemic and institutional harm.
As part of our 2025-26 Social Work Seminar Series, join Kristina R Llewellyn and Jennifer J Llewellyn as they introduce DOHR’s purpose and design.
munro
07 May 2026
17:15 - 18:30
Social Anthropology

Munro Lecture - Bangladesh and the (Im)Possibility of Climate Justice

In this talk, Professor Khan ponders the tension between the work of making climate change visible within lives and that of unveiling the workings of power, to explore if we have lost our ability to describe crises-filled lives and catastrophic change.