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 has Covid had 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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Congratulations!

Congratulations to all our students who are graduating this month!

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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

Image of a pop-up banner that says 'The School of Social and Political Science Graduation'
30/11/2023

SPS Winter Graduations honour our Class of 2023

Congratulations to our 2023 School of Social and Political Science (SPS) graduates!

10/11/2023
Politics and International Relations (PIR)

SPS academic involved in new £10 million hub for behavioural research

A School of Social and Political Science (SPS) team led by Professor Oliver Escobar is involved in a new UK hub for behavioural research, which aims to help tackle societal and economic challenges.
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02/11/2023
Social Policy

SPS academic receives ERC Consolidator Grant for work examining the role of the arts in the production of public policy

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Professor Sotiria Grek has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant of two million euro for a new project examining the relationship between art and policy.

12/10/2023
Politics and International Relations (PIR)

SPS student wins prestigious Political Studies Association essay prize 

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) student Phoebe Lagard has won the Political Studies Association Specialist Group on Parliaments annual Undergraduate Essay Competition. 

Upcoming events

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01 December 2023
16:00 - 17:00
Centre of African Studies

Advocacy: Reflecting on Skills for a Career in International Development

The first event in the Professional Development Series for MSc Africa and International Development students.
04 December 2023
15:30 - 17:00
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

The Lives and Afterlives of Labels: Reconstructing Historical Labelling Practices at the National Museum of Scotland

Consultancy and Beyond
05 December 2023
13:00 - 14:00
Centre of African Studies

Consultancy and Beyond: Working with Private and Third Sectors

Edinburgh Innovations is dedicated to "making ideas work for a better world". Whether you're interested in undertaking research work on a consultancy basis...
Talking Methods
05 December 2023
13:00 - 14:30
Centre of African Studies

RTC Talking Methods - Mixed Methods & Policy Analysis in Education Research

Reflecting on inclusion and belonging among migrant pupils in Sweden, Finland and Scotland, by Dr Nataša Pantić and Dr Cecilia Gialdini.