Welcome to the School of Social and Political Science!
Introduction
Welcome to our new undergraduate and taught postgraduate students.
Content
As an SPS student, what do I need to do in Welcome Week?
- Attend the School welcome talk. You'll find the details on the University Events App.
- Confirm your attendance. You'll do this at your welcome talk.
- Enrol on your courses (see below for more information and links)
Missed your welcome talk? Come see us at reception in the Chrystal Macmillan Building.
Welcome talk slides
Undergraduate welcome talk - 10 am 8 September 2025
Postgraduate Taught Students Welcome Talk - 1pm 8 September 2025
Top 6 Essential Tasks
Complete the Top 6 Essential Tasks
Frequently asked questions
Your studies
- Semester Dates
- Timetable
Where can I access my timetable?
You can access your personalised timetable in Timetabler (our timetabling software) and in your University Outlook calendars.Timetabler - Student - how to look up my timetable
I don't seem to have all my classes on my timetable.
You may not yet have been allocated to a tutorial group. Typically, allocation is completed by the end of Welcome Week for PG and Honours level courses, and Week 1 for pre-Honours level courses. Once you have been allocated to a tutorial group, it will appear on your personalised timetable - remember also that not all tutorials start in Week 1, so you may need to look ahead on your timetable to see your group.My timetable keeps changing.
It is not unusual for timetables to change location or even time or day in response to unexpected circumstances. Please check your online timetable regularly.
- Course Enrolment & Changes
How do I sign up to courses?
The deadline for UG Year 1 course enrolment is Monday 8th of September 2025.
- Undergraduate (UG) students can find out everything about how to choose courses and how to enrol on our webpages at: Choosing your courses (UG)
- Postgraduate (PG) course enrolment information can be found on our webpages at: Choosing your courses (PG)
How do I request a change to my courses?
You can request to change your course enrolments up until the end of Week 2. However, it's best to submit your requests early and before the deadline so that we can ensure they are processed in time for Week 3.Further information:
If your course change is approved, then this will be reflected the morning after the change has been made to your courses in MyEd.
- Tutorial Groups
Why can't I see what tutorial group I am in?
Students will be allocated to tutorial groups from the start of Welcome Week. Typically, allocation is completed by the end of Welcome Week for PG and Honours level courses, and Week 1 for pre-Honours level courses. Once you have been allocated to a tutorial group, it will appear on your personalised timetable - remember also that not all tutorials start in Week 1, so you may need to look ahead on your timetable to see your group.How do I request a change to my tutorial group?
Depending on the course, students will either be able to make a change directly themselves (new for 2025-26) or request it.- Learn Ultra (Virtual Learning Environment)
What is Learn (Ultra)?
Learn or Learn Ultra is a Virtual Learning Environment. Find out how to access and navigate Learn.Why aren't all of my courses showing on Learn?
Some Course Organisers will only release their course content at the start of teaching.
If your courses are still not showing after this date, contact the Student Advice and Support team.- Degree Programme Transfers
How do I request a change to my degree programme? (UG only)
New students can request a change of degree programme by emailing the Admissions team on cahss.applicantadmin@ed.ac.uk as soon as possible and before the end of Week 2.Include your UUN (University User Name) and 'programme change request' in the subject line of the email, as well as the degree you wish to move into e.g. Programme change request s1234567: History & Politics.
Please note that very few changes are usually possible.
Support and Advice
- How we support you
SPS Student Support and Advice team are on hand to help with any queries.
- Student Advisers and Cohort Leads
You can find your Student Adviser and Cohort Lead under the Studies tab on MyEd.
Who is my Student Adviser?
You can contact your Student Adviser on student.sps@ed.ac.uk.
Find out more about the Student Advice & Support team and how to meet your Student Adviser.
Student Advisers are available via email or ask at Reception on the ground floor of the Chrystal Macmillan Building.
Who is my Cohort Lead?
Your Cohort Lead is an academic member of staff who supports a group – or cohort - of students, usually on the same degree programme, with their studies. Your Cohort Lead will advise you on the academic aspects of your programme and offer support with key transitions. They will contact you to tell you how you can meet them, e.g. at a group activity such as a skills session or careers event or at a 1:1 meeting.- Disability & Learning Support Service
If you have a disability, learning difference, neurodiverse or health condition that may impact on your studies, you should make contact with the Disability & Learning Support Service as soon as possible to discuss your support needs. They will expect you to provide evidence and will discuss possible learning adjustments with you.
Everything else
- Immigration, official letters, SSSC registration
I have a question about my CAS, my BRP or my visa.
You will find guidance on the Student Immigration Service web pages.I need a bank letter / certificate of matriculation / council tax exemption letter.
You can do this via MyEd.I'm a Social Work student and I am worried about my SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) registration.
If you have completed your application and selected a member of University staff to approve it, it should be done very soon.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Take a look at EdHelp where you will find all your frequently-used student services in one place.
or
Contact the SPS Student Advice and Support team