School of Social and Political Science

Postgraduate research programmes

The School of Social and Political Science (SPS) is home to more than 250 postgraduate research students. As a research student within SPS, you’ll be part of a dynamic and diverse academic community. 

Our interdisciplinary structure fosters research that cuts across traditional social science boundaries to bring together experts from across the School and wider University. 

With an SPS research degree, you will gain advanced training across the social sciences. We will equip you with the skills needed to make a significant contribution to the world of social science, and to tackle some of society’s most prevalent and pressing challenges.

Programmes content

PhD

African Studies

Join one of the leading hubs for research that engages and extends our knowledge of Africa.

PhD

Global Health Policy

This PhD gives you the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary research across public health and the social sciences, to drive new understanding on how public health is implemented internationally.

PhD

International Development

A PhD in International Development will enable you to explore global development challenges. You’ll join a community of academics working at the intersection of international development policy and […]

PhD

Politics

PhD research in Politics and International Relations gives you the opportunity to explore the theory, practice and ethics of politics and governance.

MSc

Research in Science and Technology Studies

Science and technology are driving rapid changes in every aspect of society and every part of the world. Join our research community and explore the current and historical effects of science and […]

MSc

Research in Social and Political Science

For students looking to undertake doctoral-level research in Social and Political Science subject areas, this degree will give you the necessary skills through a structured programme of research […]

PhD

Science and Technology Studies

Social scientists, historians, philosophers, natural scientists and engineers are all invited to apply for this PhD, and study how innovations in science and technology are shaping society.

PhD

Social and Political Science

This programme gives you training in a wide range of social science methods. You’ll learn how to design and generate original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the social […]

PhD

Social Anthropology

Join one of the largest social anthropology departments in the UK. Alongside a community of interdisciplinary researchers, you’ll explore traditional ethnographic fieldwork with a focus on […]

PhD

Social Policy

Our Social Policy PhD research allows you to draw on a wide range of disciplinary perspectives. You’ll carry out advanced research on social problems and policy, and practice responses to these […]

PhD

Social Work

Join our community of students from all over the world. Our social work researchers have excellent links with professional social work services in statutory and voluntary sectors throughout Scotland […]

PhD

Socio-Cultural Studies

Socio-Cultural Studies attracts people with social science backgrounds who want to work on interdisciplinary topics. Join us to explore socio-cultural topics, theories and methodologies, to underpin […]

PhD

Sociology

Our PhD Sociology programme includes a great variety of work, intellectually and methodologically. Join us to delve into our cutting-edge research areas, including digital sociology, environment and […]

PhD

South Asian Studies

Join one of Europe’s leading centres of excellence in South Asian studies. This programme brings together areas of research in sociology, politics, social anthropology, social policy and social work.