School of Social and Political Science

University of Edinburgh

Visit website Register interest

View gallery

For as long as we have society, we’ll need social scientists. Edinburgh is the ideal place to study social and political science. The city is the capital of Scotland and home to the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament and the country’s highest courts, as well as the world’s largest arts festival. It provides a rich environment where students can achieve their potential.

Why study at the School of Social and Political Science?

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities, consistently ranked in the world’s top 50 and placed 34th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings.

Edinburgh is ranked 13th best student city in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2025

Our graduates are ranked 24th in the world by employers (QS World University Rankings 2025)

23

courses

Edinburgh United Kingdom

main campus

About the School of Social and Political Science

The University of Edinburgh is home to one of the largest and most successful centres for social and political science scholarship internationally.

Through our teaching and research, we are addressing many challenges facing society, including:

Family
Gender
Race
Health and mental health
Politics
Poverty
Sustainability
Technology.

Our research and education interests are diverse but connected by a commitment to benefiting society and addressing social inequalities. Our community is welcoming, inclusive and supportive, with staff and students from around the world.

We encourage students to question social, political and technological systems and structures. We provide opportunities to develop answers to these questions.

Studying with us is a great way for professionals to take their next steps in career development, learning the theory and practice to enable them to achieve their professional ambitions. Our taught programmes also equip students for further studies, including progression to PhD research and developing deeper understanding of their chosen field.

We offer a broad range of taught programmes - from professional training through to master’s degrees - that are ideal preparation for further study and academic research.

Studying in a meeting place for different cultures and perspectives is a valuable part of students’ taught postgraduate experience...

Student life at the School of Social and Political Science

Student testimonials

Find out about studying at the School of Social and Political Science from those who know it best - our students and graduates.

Sanusha Santhosh - MSc Global Mental Health and Society, 2024

“The cultural diversity on campus creates a unique environment where students from all over the world come together, offering the opportunity to learn from varied perspectives and build a global network.”

Masanobu Kikuchi - MSc Digital Sociology, 2024

“During my time in Edinburgh, I felt confident that choosing this university was the right decision. I gained specialised knowledge closely aligned with my research interests and developed essential practical skills that will be invaluable in my career.”

Hear more from Sanusha, Masanobu and our students and alumni, and read our student blog.

Register your interest with the School of Social and Political Science

Main campus

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Scotland

United Kingdom

FindAMasters is a trading name of FindAUniversity Ltd, A Keystone Company.

Registered Address: FindAUniversity Ltd, 77 Sidney St, Sheffield, S1 4RG

Our websites: FindAPhD | FindAPostDoc | Postgraduate Forum | FindCourses

or continue as guest

School of Social and Political Science