The School of Politics and International Studies is dedicated to investigating, understanding, and helping shape the politics of global challenges, driven by a commitment to making a positive global change. This focus informs everything from our internationally recognised research, to our exceptional and dynamic teaching environment.
- 1 PhDs
- 65 Academic Staff
- Public Institution Type
Top reasons to study here
- Top 40 in the world for development studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021)
- Top 20 the UK for politics (The Complete University Guide League Tables 2022)
- Top 20 in the UK for political sciences (Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2021)
PhD Programmes
Social Sciences (1)
- University of Leeds
About
Education
When you join the School of Politics and International studies you'll be supported and inspired by the expertise of our academic staff. You'll also have access to a wide range of opportunities – all designed to expand your degree according to your interests and aspirations.
Your learning will be enriched by our academics' range of experience. Because our programmes are directly informed by research developments, your course will cover the latest thinking and you will be taught by leaders in their field.
Research
Our intellectual focus is on the politics of global challenges: the inherently political processes through which global challenges are created, understood, and mediated by the exercise and contestation of power in its various forms. It is through this lens that the School of Politics and International Studies and our six Research Centres pursue our respective research agendas.
We promote rigorous social scientific inquiry at the heart of interdisciplinary engagements, coordinating closely with societal stakeholders at every stage of the research cycle. Our research environment thus acts as a hub to coordinate activities across the School, University and beyond.
Career
A degree from the School of Politics and International Studies provides you with the knowledge and transferable skills for a successful career.
Graduates have gone on to have careers in politics, the Civil Service, the media, non-governmental organisations and international organisations such as the UN and World Bank, as well as roles in the private sector. Recent destinations have included roles in Parliament as well as public relations, teaching, management, and research and development positions.
Services
Student services
Whilst encouraging you to become a self-motivated learner, our staff will guide you through your studies and help you to develop the skills to become an independent critical thinker.
You will either be assigned a personal tutor or two research supervisors, depending on the type of course you are studying. These individuals are your first stop for all of your academic needs and are there to help you achieve your potential.Housing services
Our university residences offer something for everyone, with locations around the city to suit your needs. We have an impressive range of accommodation from modern, purpose-built apartments to converted mansions both on and off campus.
We provide over seven thousand undergraduates with accommodation every year. We also have some accommodation specifically for postgraduate students, and guarantee offers of accommodation to international postgraduate students under certain circumstances.
Library services
The University of Leeds has one of the major academic research library collections in the UK. Our four libraries – The Brotherton, Edward Boyle, Laidlaw and Health Sciences – each house a different subject-based collection. 4,000 study spaces are available, from silent individual study to vibrant group work areas.
Our online resources include 35,000 e-journals and more than 500,000 e-books.ICT services
All our libraries have extensive computer facilities. You’ll also have access to:
- a wide range of software and services
- free high-speed wi-fi across campus
- IT help and support from our IT service desk
- teaching spaces with computer-supported classrooms
- flexible learning environments for personal and group study
- a state-of-the-art lecture capture and multimedia management system.
Medical services
The Leeds Student Medical Practice is located on the edge of campus and provides various services to University of Leeds students. There is also wellbeing support available through the university and the Leeds University Union.
Student Life
Campus life
The University of Leeds is a unique campus – housing all our facilities together in one 100-acre area, while also being just a short walk from the centre of the city of Leeds.
Along with all our academic facilities, laboratories, teaching and study spaces and libraries, our campus is also home to cafes, sports facilities, green spaces and our award-winning students’ union.
Leeds University Union is in the centre of campus and is a hub of activity. Clubs, bars, food outlets, cafes, a beauty salon and so much more.Sports facilities
You’ll have access to our £12.2 million sports centre, The Edge. Located on campus, The Edge has a 250-station gym floor, a 25-metre pool, sports courts and a climbing wall.
Our fitness suite is one of the largest of any university in the UK. Over 220 exercise classes take place every week during term time, and you could also access our dedicated personal training and strength and conditioning rooms with qualified trainers.
The Edge also has squash courts and sports halls where you can play badminton, netball, five-a-side and more. Additional studio space, sports halls and squash courts can be found around campus, and our Sport Park – a short drive from campus – has numerous high-quality outdoor facilities.Student clubs
The Leeds University Union is home to more than 300 clubs and societies for you to join, so whatever you’re interested in there is something for you. There are societies dedicated to sports, media, performance, academic interests, cultural and language groups, faith, politics and volunteering to name a few. And if you can’t find a club or society that aligns with your interest, there is always the opportunity to start your own.
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