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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Ref 21 Results

Our REF2021 results

We’re so proud of the achievements of all the School colleagues, students and collaborators. Thanks to everyone in our community for an excellent REF performance and delivering world-leading research across our social sciences.

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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

18/07/2022
Centre of African Studies

Join the Centre of African Studies network

The Centre of African Studies (CAS) is inviting anyone interested to join its network to receive news and events information. It is also inviting University of Edinburgh academics with an interest in Africa to become CAS affiliates.

World Refugee day
05/07/2022

SPS hosts global experts to discuss issues facing refugees

The Global Refugee Health Research Network, co-led by Dr George Palattiyil in Social Work, hosted a group of international experts to address some of the most pressing issues facing refugees.
Ukraine flag
05/07/2022
Centre of African Studies

Remote academic support for PhD students affected by the war on Ukraine

Academics beyond Borders is now calling for applications from PhD students enrolled in Ukrainian universities. There are 14 remote places available for candidates whose research at their home universities is being affected by the war on Ukraine. All places are funded by the University of Edinburgh and require no fees from any students accepted onto the scheme.
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30/06/2022
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

SPS Lecturer in Energy, Environment and Society co-chairs the Energy Research & Social Science conference

Dr Kirsten Jenkins from Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) co-chaired the recent International Conference on Energy Research & Social Science. The conference - the ‘premier global forum for exploring the nexus of energy and society’ - hosted discussions from world-leading experts about tackling the climate crisis.