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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Inaugural Lectures

Newly appointed or promoted professors introduce their work, and themselves, to the University community.

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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

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07/10/2024
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

SPS academic to lead new project on care and sustainability initiatives in Scotland

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Dr Sarah Parry has received funding for a project exploring everyday care and its relationship to sustainability.

Photo of Harini Amarasuriya
02/10/2024
Social Anthropology

SPS graduate appointed prime minister of Sri Lanka

Former School of Social and Political Science (SPS) PhD student Dr Harini Amarasuriya has been appointed Sri Lanka’s first woman prime minister in 24 years.
North Strathclyde Bairns Hoose Phase Two Evaluation Report

Experts back Bairns Hoose to better protect child victims in new report

The North Strathclyde Bairns Hoose, an innovative approach to supporting children and families affected by violence and abuse, has been welcomed by an independent report by Social Work researchers.

17/09/2024
Photo of Meryl Kenny
16/09/2024
Politics and International Relations (PIR)

SPS academic becomes Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Professor Meryl Kenny has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

Upcoming events

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Jukka Syväterä The Authority of Science in Parliamentary Debates
16 October 2024
13:00 - 14:00

The Authority of Science in Parliamentary Debates: An Epistemic Governance Perspective

SKAPE welcomes Jukka Syväterä to deliver this presentation, drawing together the key results from his research project on the authority of science and expert knowledge in parliamentary debates over new legislation.
Food Researchers in Edinburgh (FRIED) logo
16 October 2024
13:00 - 14:00
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Recipes for Recovery: Food, Plants, and the Knowledge(s) of Maya Women in Guatemala

Through participatory methodologies, we seek to understand the way in which home gardens might allow Maya women in Guatemala to shape the health of their families, but also of the landscapes they inhabit.
My Old School 16 October
16 October 2024
15:15 - 17:15
Sociology

My Old School: Film Screening and Discussion

In 1993, 16-year-old Brandon Lee enrolled at Bearsden Academy, a secondary school in a well-to-do suburb of Glasgow. What followed over the next two years would become the stuff of legend.
Seminar_Poster
16 October 2024
15:30 - 17:00
Centre of African Studies

'Distributive labour' in South Africa: Debt, work, and welfare

The Centre of African Studies is delighted to invite you to the following seminar as part of their CAS Seminar Series 2024/2025.