Politics and International Relations (PIR)

Welcome

Welcome to Politics and International Relations - one of the largest and most vibrant subject areas in the University. Our alumni include government ministers, members of parliament, policy analysts, broadcasters, business leaders, teachers and an increasing number of social entrepreneurs.

Our academic staff produce world-class research across several areas, which not only informs our teaching but also the wider academic discipline. In the last UK-wide assessment of research we were rated within the top 10 universities in the UK, and number one in Scotland.

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About

We’re one of the largest and most exciting subject areas in the University, home to over 600 top undergraduates and 100 international postgraduate students every year.

Programmes

Our teaching and supervision is research-led, which means that courses at all levels are delivered by scholars active in research in their respective fields.

Research

Our aim is to produce research at the highest international standards, consolidating our position as one of the leading international locations for research on subjects such as multilevel governance, European integration and global politics.

People

Find out more about our team of academic colleagues, PhD students and professional services staff who keep our department running smoothly.

News

See the latest news updates from Politics and International Relations.

Contact

You can find us in the Chrystal Macmillan Building in George Square - right at the heart of the central campus. Busy all year round, George Square is also home to performers and artists during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August.

Edited from PIR: Comparative European Politics

Comparative European Politics (CEP) arises out of a unique editorial partnership linking political scientists in Europe and North America. The journal explores challenging questions about the limitations of existing disciplinary perspectives and theoretical conventions.

image of regional and federal studies journal

Edited from PIR: Regional and Federal Studies

Regional and Federal Studies publishes research on federalism and territorial politics covering a wide variety of topics related to divided political authority and levels of government.

review of international studies journal image

Edited from PIR: Review of International Studies

Review of International Studies (RIS) publishes high-quality research that makes significant contributions to conversations about global politics, broadly defined.

Edited from PIR in partnership with Edinburgh Law School: Global Constitutionalism

Global Constitutionalism (GlobCon) offers an interdisciplinary space for addressing the foundations, limitations and contestations of the principles and norms of political order and their dynamics over time on a global scale.

22/09/2025

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

Professor Kate Wright wins Outstanding Monograph of the Year for book on Trump and Voice of America

Professor Kate Wright and her co-authors have won the Outstanding Monograph of the Year Award from the Media, Communication and Cultural Studies Association (MeCCSA).

25/06/2025

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

SPS academic’s book on Trump and Voice of America recognised in prestigious international awards

A book by School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Professor Kate Wright received honours from international communications organisations for its important insights into Donald Trump and the state-media network Voice of America (VOA).

19/06/2025

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

SPS academics join expert sub-panels to lead REF

Professor Ailsa Henderson and Professor Tobias Kelly from the School of Social and Political Science (SPS) have been appointed to the expert sub-panels of the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Photo of five women, all PSA Founding Fellows, holding their certificates and smiling at the camera

14/05/2025

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

Three SPS academics are new founding fellows of the Political Studies Association

Professor Sarah Childs, Professor Meryl Kenny and Professor Fiona Mackay from the School of Social and Political Science (SPS) have become founding fellows of the Political Studies Association (PSA).

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School of Social and Political Science