School of Social and Political Science

Breaking silos, building knowledge for practice: interdisciplinary studies of Africa and the world 

Welcome! We are one of Europe's leading departments for the study of Africa and international development. Our teaching informs current and future leaders in government policy, international organisations, humanitarian aid, conflict resolution, and environmental sustainability. Our expertise spans political economy, social anthropology, geography, law, history, and related disciplines, fostering innovative, interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship that address some of the most complex and pressing challenges in Africa and globally. 

We are home to a vibrant and diverse community of researchers and students from over sixty countries and five continents, making us one of the most culturally rich subject areas at the University of Edinburgh. Our six MSc programmes, our two PhD programmes, and our undergraduate courses provide students with cutting-edge modules and tailored mentorship to develop the critical skills demanded by today’s world. Our network of alumni works across a wide range of sectors, from entrepreneurs and large private companies to government, civil society, and international organisations. 

We draw on a long and successful history. The Centre of African Studies (CAS) was founded in 1962 and has been a pioneer in the study of Africa in the UK, growing into one of Europe’s leading interdisciplinary research hubs with a global reputation for excellence. Today, our work also stretches beyond Africa, with research projects from Latin America to southeast Asia. Our research has been ranked first in the UK for research power in the last Research Excellence Framework, and our faculty, all actively involved in teaching, have advised governments and organisations around the world and secured some of the most prestigious grants and scholarships.