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.

16/09/2024

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

SPS academic becomes Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Professor Meryl Kenny has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

13/09/2024

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

SPS academic to become editor of Regional and Federal Studies Journal

Dr Davide Vampa from the School of Social and Political Science (SPS) will become lead editor of Regional and Federal Studies from 1 October 2024.

Image of the Sun Baths billboard at Villa Marina

20/06/2024

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

SPS academic’s art research project forms part of Pesaro: Italian Capital of Culture 2024

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Professor Nicola Perugini is involved in an art research project in Italy about the decolonisation of difficult architectural heritage. This work is part of the town of Pesaro’s year as Italian Capital of Culture 2024.

09/05/2024

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

SPS academic receives BRAID Fellowship to investigate the use of AI in public media

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Dr Kate Wright has secured a prestigious Bridging Responsible AI Divides (BRAID) Fellowship to investigate the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public media.

Subnational-ism: Diplomacy, and ‘Positive Fragmentation’

10 October 2024

14:30 - 16:00

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

Subnational-ism: Diplomacy, and ‘Positive Fragmentation’

Subnationalism is on the rise. There is a fear that fragmentation will force a return to violent medievalism. However, by examining the strengths (and weaknesses) of California’s international diplomatic efforts, this talk will explore the possibilities of what has been called the ‘California effect’ - which can be seen as an optimistic ‘post-Westphalian’ scenario.

Public opinion in the run-up to the 2024 general election

10 October 2024

16:10 - 18:00

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

2024 UK General Election Series: Public opinion in the run-up to the 2024 general election

This session will explore public opinion dynamics in the lead-up to the 2024 general election.

11 October 2024

14:00 - 16:00

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

Gaza and the University: One Year On

The Politics and International Relations Middle East Research Group will host a roundtable discussion on the impact of the October 2023 events in Israel/Palestine on the University of Edinburgh's academic environment. The discussion will explore the war's effects on pedagogy, academic freedom, and public engagement on Palestine, as well as the student-staff divestment mobilisations.

17 October 2024

17:00 - 19:00

Politics and International Relations (PIR)

Tahrir, Gaza, and Beyond: Revolution, Liberation, and Praxis

PIR Middle East Research Group in partnership with Al-Waleed Centre is delighted to invite you to the following event: Tahrir, Gaza, and Beyond: Revolution, Liberation, and Praxis

School of Social and Political Science