School of Social and Political Science

Politics and International Relations

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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

The latest news from Politics and International Relations.

Events

The latest events 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.
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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.

poster: global-constitutionalism

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.

Latest news

News content

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SPS subject areas climb in 2026 QS world subject rankings

Five School of Social and Political Science (SPS) subject areas have improved or maintained their standing among the world's leading universities, according to the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject — with Social Policy regaining its top 10 position.

15/04/2026
Tam-Dalyell-Prize-Lecture

Professor Ailsa Henderson wins prestigious Tam Dalyell Prize for public engagement

Professor Ailsa Henderson has won the University of Edinburgh’s Tam Dalyell Prize for Excellence in Engaging the Public with Science.

26/02/2026
SES

ESRC funds Scottish Election Study for another five years

The Scottish Election Study (SES) project has received funding for another five years to continue its work examining the political attitudes and behaviour of voters in Scotland.

11/11/2025
Kate Wright

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).

22/09/2025