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

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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

Former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalan
12/06/2026
Centre of African Studies

New award celebrates Indian students and honours former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

The School of Social and Political Science is setting up a new annual award in the name of former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, to honour its Indian postgraduate students.

Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush receiving his Research Impact Prize
10/06/2026
Social Policy

Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush wins University Research Impact Prize for engagement work in vaccine equity

Global health policy expert Ben Kasstan-Dabush has won a University of Edinburgh Research Impact Prize, in the Engagement Newcomer category, for his work in vaccine equity.
Dalia Avello-Vega and fellow CDCS Digital Research Prize winners
10/06/2026
Social Policy

US childcare dataset developed by SPS PhD wins Digital Research Prize

A project led by Social Policy PhD researcher Dalia Avello-Vega won the Best Dataset award in the University’s Centre for Data, Culture & Society (CDCS) Digital Research Prizes.
The cover of the Governing the Future report
10/06/2026
Politics and International Relations

Citizens’ assembly key to giving public a voice on AI, says report

A new report has recommendations for the Scottish and UK governments on steps that can be taken to ensure AI is developed and used in ways that create trust and deliver real benefits.