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.

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.

You might also be interested in the BJPIR journal

British Journal of Politics & International Relations (BJPIR) is a refereed journal published by SAGE under the auspices of the Political Studies Association of the UK.

10/11/2023

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

SPS academic involved in new £10 million hub for behavioural research

A School of Social and Political Science (SPS) team led by Professor Oliver Escobar is involved in a new UK hub for behavioural research, which aims to help tackle societal and economic challenges.

12/10/2023

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

SPS student wins prestigious Political Studies Association essay prize

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) student Phoebe Lagard has won the Political Studies Association Specialist Group on Parliaments annual Undergraduate Essay Competition.

26/09/2023

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

Welfare supporters better informed than sceptics, study by SPS researchers suggests

People who support greater state involvement in delivering services know more about economics and welfare provision than those favouring smaller government, research led by a team from the School of Social and Political Science (SPS) suggests.

12/09/2023

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

SPS’ Marc Geddes awarded an ERC Starting Grant for his work exploring the relationship between parliament and knowledge

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Dr Marc Geddes has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant for research exploring the relationship between parliament and knowledge.

05 December 2023

13:00 - 14:30

Centre of African Studies

RTC Talking Methods - Mixed Methods & Policy Analysis in Education Research

Reflecting on inclusion and belonging among migrant pupils in Sweden, Finland and Scotland, by Dr Nataša Pantić and Dr Cecilia Gialdini.

05 December 2023

13:00 - 14:00

Centre of African Studies

Consultancy and Beyond: Working with Private and Third Sectors

Edinburgh Innovations is dedicated to "making ideas work for a better world". Whether you're interested in undertaking research work on a consultancy basis...

06 December 2023

15:00 - 16:30

Centre of African Studies

How is digital transformation changing the future of work and skills?

In this public discussion event, leading experts in their field offer insights about current and potential future transformations of employment and education.

06 December 2023

17:15 - 19:30

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

Inaugural Lecture: Professor Ben Rosamond

Conservative economic policy discourse since the global financial crisis: from BS to deepfake.

School of Social and Political Science