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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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

24/04/2021
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Innogen Institute researchers write about Covid-19

The Innogen Institute - a collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and the Open University, has shared various Covid-19 related publications.
21/04/2021
Social Work

Care home study highlights Covid's mental toll

Covid-related restrictions have caused mental distress to three out of four people who have relatives in care homes, a study shows.
20/04/2021
Social Work

New research will identify the prevalence of child abuse in Australia and its health impacts

An Edinburgh researcher is part of a team that is identifying for the first time how many Australians have experienced child abuse and neglect.
19/04/2021
Social Anthropology

Personal burden of Covid-19 testing needs to be addressed to avoid testing fatigue

Despite the inconveniences and personal sacrifices involved, people in Scotland are willing to go to considerable efforts to make the Covid-19 testing system work, but more needs to be done to recognise and reduce this burden, say researchers.

Upcoming events

Events content

10 May 2021
13:00 - 14:30
Social Policy

Who Defines Childhood Innocence? Anti-Racist Practice, White Fragility and Effective Allyship in Early Childhood Webinar

Webinar event co-hosted by the Anti-Racist Early Years Collective (AREYC), the Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland (CERES) and RACE.ED.

Ensuring Ethical Social Work With Asylum Seekers & Refugees

Although barely mentioned in the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary campaign, the issue of this country’s treatment of asylum seekers who seek refuge here, and other migrant groups, remains a controversial issue at the heart of UK politics.

12 May 2021
13:00 - 14:00

Newly Qualified Social Workers Conference

The annual NQSW conference is open to all final year students and newly qualified social workers across Scotland. If you are completing your studies or in the first two years of practice, you are very welcome to attend. It is a full-day event with fascinating keynote speakers and a range of workshops and talks aimed directly at the interests of early-career social workers.

17 May 2021
09:30 - 16:30
19 May 2021
15:30 - 17:00
Centre of African Studies

Black Women and French Citizenship

Join us on Wednesday 19 May for the next joint RACE.ED and Centre of African Studies seminar.