The School of Politics and International Studies is a vibrant and innovative school where academic research informs and ignites our teaching. With over forty academics, our department is one of the largest of its kind in the UK.
As a student within the School of Politics and International Studies, you will join a community of experts who are as passionate about your subject as you are. Our academics will challenge you and encourage you to explore, question and discover at every stage of your studies.
Our learning and teaching approach will allow you to succeed whilst offering you a range of opportunities to broaden your studies according to your interests and aspirations. Throughout your time with us, you will also be able to take advantage of our excellent study facilities, personal development opportunities, professional support and more.
You'll develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, team working and project management, as well as advanced research skills through your dissertation or final project. You'll also have access to ongoing career and development support.
Our 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.
Undergraduate programmes
An undergraduate degree from the School of Politics and International Studies offers you the best possible start to your career, providing you with valuable knowledge, skills and experience that will set you up for a successful future.
At undergraduate level, we specialise in the study of politics, international studies and international development, exploring real-world challenges which influence lives across the globe.
Our programmes are flexible, meaning you can choose degree modules that cross discipline boundaries and meet your interests and career aspirations. Our aim is to help you become a top class graduate — able to make a difference in society — having had an excellent student experience.
Discover our undergraduate programmes.
Postgraduate taught programmes
Whether you want to enhance your career opportunities or continue on to a research degree, a Masters degree can help you stand out.Our postgraduate degrees allow you to deepen your knowledge of a subject, specialise in a particular area or take a new direction.
We offer a range of taught Masters programmes in the areas of Conflict and Security, Global Development, International Relations, and Politics.
Discover our postgraduate taught programmes.
Postgraduate research programmes
The School of Politics and International Studies is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research into international development, international relations, and politics. Our globe-spanning work is currently organised into six research groups:
- Centre for Democratic Engagement
- Global Development
- European Centre for Responsibility to Protect
- Centre for Security Studies
- Leeds Institute for Data Analytics
- Contemporary Political Theory
As a postgraduate researcher, you will become a key member of our thriving academic community, receiving expert supervision and support while pursuing an area of work you are passionate about.