Centre of African Studies

Understanding Africa in the contemporary world

The University of Edinburgh has an important and long historical connection with Africa, and the Centre of African Studies (CAS) is a world leading centre for the study of Africa.

Founded in 1962, CAS provides interdisciplinary undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and supervision on Africa and international development. We host a vibrant research community, committed to critical and cutting-edge theoretical and empirical approaches, placing African experiences at the centre of interdisciplinary scholarship.

We are the largest centre of African studies in Europe and regularly appear at the top of UK good university guides. We deliver a range of high-quality masters programmes on campus and online. We run prestigious PhD programmes that attract students from across the world.

About

The Centre acts as a focal point for postgraduate teaching and supervision on Africa and a hub for research programmes that span all three of the University’s colleges.

Programmes

We offer a range of taught and research postgraduate programmes in African studies. Our thriving and cosmopolitan community of graduate students study for the degrees of PhD, MSc, Diploma or Certificate.

Research

We undertake cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research across the continent. Our scholars are committed to the critical study of a diverse range of topics as well as the pursuit of inclusive, ethical and equitable partnerships.

People

Meet the whole team and find out more about areas of interest of academic colleagues.

News

See the latest news from the Centre of African Studies.

Contact

We’re based in George Square at the heart of the Central campus. A lively and vibrant hub (especially in August during the Festival Fringe).

Centre of African Studies (CAS) Newsletter

Read the latest issue of the CAS Newsletter.

You may also be interested in Critical African Studies (CrAS)

The journal publishes critical interdisciplinary research about Africa and the diaspora, covering a range of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities. CrAS was established by the Centre of African Studies in 2009 and now more than half of the editorial and advisory board are based at African universities.

Edinburgh Catalyst Fellowship

The Edinburgh Catalyst Fellowship programme is a University of Edinburgh initiative run by the Centre of African Studies. It is aimed at building stronger relationships between The University of Edinburgh and Africa-based scholars, and promoting the research of early-career academics in Africa. Meet the amazing fellows and read more about their inspiring projects.

11/10/2022

Centre of African Studies

Alan Barnard FBA (1949-2022)

15/09/2022

Centre of African Studies

Centre of African Studies (CAS) Seminar Series Autumn 2022

See the full exciting programme of weekly seminars starting on 21 September.

15/09/2022

Centre of African Studies

New book on transport corridors in Africa edited by SPS colleagues

Hugh Lamarque and Paul Nugent in the School of Social and Political Science’s Centre of African Studies have co-edited a new book exploring the inherent tensions and dynamics of transport corridors in Africa.

15/09/2022

Centre of African Studies

CAS graduates awarded top prize for doctoral theses

Dr Simeon Koroma and Dr Patrick Wahome Mutahi have been recognised by the African Studies Association of the UK (ASAUK) for their outstanding doctoral theses.

There are no upcoming events at the moment. Please check back later.

School of Social and Political Science