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

Inaugural lectures provide an opportunity for a newly appointed or promoted professor to 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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20/12/2024
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Experts call on Scottish Government to set just transition targets, supported by research from SPS academic

New research involving School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Dr Kirsten E H Jenkins is calling on the Scottish Government to deliver a world first by setting quantifiable targets for achieving a just transition to a low-carbon economy.

Photo of the outside of the Scottish Parliament building
11/12/2024
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Scottish Parliament TV could become a target for deepfakes, says new research from SPS academics

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academics Dr Ben Collier and Dr Morgan Currie are involved in new research assessing the threat of artificial intelligence (AI) to parliamentary business.

Emily Mann holding up a sign that reads 'exist loudly'
06/12/2024
Sociology

SPS academic included in prominent ‘30 under 30’ list for work in feminist and disability advocacy

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Emily Mann has been included on the Young Women’s Movement’s 30 Under 30 list for her involvement in feminist and disability advocacy.

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03/12/2024

SPS Winter Graduations 2024

Congratulations to our 2024 School of Social and Political Science (SPS) graduates!

Upcoming events

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20 January 2025
13:00 - 14:00

When randomisation is not enough: Controlling for compliance in Randomised Controlled Trials

Part of the Q-Step Research Seminar Series
21 January 2025
12:30 - 14:00

Cultural Survival and Resilience against Assimilation: Lived Experience of Pashto Community of Kashmir

Rule Evasion from Above
22 January 2025
16:00 - 17:30
Sociology

Rule Evasion from Above

Shadow banking, notorious for its role in the 2008 financial crisis, remains a key component of the global financial system. It is a vast market worth $217 trillion, encompassing the activities of hedge funds, asset managers and dealers providing credit and issuing deposit substitutes outside of banking regulation and the safety net of state-backed insurance schemes.
Domestic Abuse Housing Stability and Safety
23 January 2025
15:30 - 16:30
Social Work

Domestic Abuse, Housing Stability, and Safety

Domestic abuse (DA) is significantly related to homelessness. Likewise, the provision of safe housing for violence survivors and their children is recognized as a critical service need in responding to DA.