School of Social and Political Science

School of Social and Political Science

The connections that bind society together are under increasing strain as the planet deals with new challenges. What impact is Covid having on our relationships? What’s the long-term impact to society? Learn how we’re working to understand the effect of a changing world on its people and structures.

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Welcome to SPS!

Our welcome pages have all the information new students need to get started at the School of Social and Political Science.

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Study with us

At the School of Social and Political Science, students are encouraged to question the social, political and technological systems and structures that surround us. Learn more about our programmes of undergraduate and postgraduate study, and how we’ll give you the platform to understand the world and be part of positive change.

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Message from the Head of School

The School of Social and Political Science is working hard to address the challenges for our learning and teaching activities and research in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 has generated challenges for individuals, societies across the world, and for work and wellbeing. Recognising the everyday realities of physical distancing, our teaching will be accessible, adapted and updated due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19...

Latest SPS responses to Covid 19

Our researchers adapted rapidly to the Covid-19 pandemic, turning their attentions swiftly to addressing one of the major challenges of our times. As well as launching new research covering the range of social sciences, they've been offering expert insight into its impact on society.
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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

News content

28/10/2021
Sociology

RSE makes recommendations for supporting Scotland’s Covid recovery

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) has shared key findings from its Post-Covid-19 Futures Commission, making several recommendations for decision-makers to support Scotland’s Covid recovery.
19/10/2021
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

New approach to feed production can transform climate impact of industries including fish farming

Two projects at the University of Edinburgh’s Innogen Institute are showing how a circular economy approach to feed production, using new bio-materials, can help industries including fish farming achieve climate change goals.
19/10/2021
Sociology

Edinburgh professor named one of the world’s most influential sociologists

Professor Donald MacKenzie was ranked 22nd in Academic Influence's 25 Top Influential Sociologists Today list, for his work on science and technology issues.
19/10/2021
Politics and International Relations (PIR)

New format for Canadian election debates would make more time for leaders to present their policies

An Edinburgh researcher has proposed a new format for leader debates in Canadian elections, prioritising time for leaders to share simple information about their policies and benefiting, first and foremost, the least-informed voters.

Upcoming events

Events content

28 - 29 October 2021
13:00 - 18:00
Sociology

Digital Worker Inquiry: Data, Solidarity, and Leverage

A two-day event from the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Data, Culture & Society's Digital Social Science research cluster and the Edinburgh Futures Institute.
International Relations in the Middle East Book Cover
28 October 2021
17:00 - 18:15
Politics and International Relations (PIR)

PIR Book Launch: International Relations in the Middle East by Ewan Stein

The Contemporary Middle East Series, brings together scholars and practitioners with expertise on the Middle East to share their experience and work in a series of public lectures.

The series is convened by the Middle East Research Group within the Politics and International Relations at the University of Edinburgh.
Covid Childcare banner
29 October 2021
13:00 - 14:30
Social Policy

Social Policy seminar: "Childcare and Wellbeing in Times of Covid-19"

Join Dr Ingela Naumann and colleagues for a presentation of early research findings from their UKRI-funded project "Childcare and Wellbeing in Times of Covid-19: Developing Crisis-resilient Care Solutions". More information on the research can be found on the project's website: http://www.childcare-covid.org/
29 October 2021
15:00 - 17:00
Social Anthropology

Social Anthropology Seminar: The Many Faces of Peace: Rule of Law, the Justice of the Peace, and Everyday Life in Haiti

Conventionally, Haiti is seen by foreign funding agencies as a “war-torn,” or “post-conflict,” or “failed,” state that needs “help.”