Politics & International Relations focuses on the role of power, states, and governments in historical and contemporary human affairs. Aberdeen is noted for its comparative and multidisciplinary approach to such questions, involving both advanced democracies and less-developed countries. Specific areas of excellence include political organisation/participation, comparative politics, conflict/security, energy/environment, and international relations theory.
Along with the Departments of Anthropology and Sociology, the Department of Politics & International Relations forms part of the School of Social Science. The Department currently has 22 members of staff and more than fifty postgraduate students. Over the course of five decades it has developed an international reputation as a centre of academic excellence for political research.
For students, our commitment is to provide a core curriculum along with unique options that represent the research interests among staff. These interests include international political economy and globalisation, democracy and democratization, public policy and public opinion, power and security, interest groups, political parties, social movements, institutions and many more. Likewise, we offer expertise in the Middle-East, Latin America, North and South Asia, the Nordic Countries, Central and Eastern Europe as well as Scotland, the UK and the EU.
With a population of 230 000, Aberdeen is a city which captures the charm and comfort of a smaller municipality but simultaneously offers the amenities of a large metropolitan city. The beach promenade and surrounding natural areas are excellent for long walks and hikes. The bustling city centre meets the cultural, culinary, and shopping needs of tourist and residents. The airport offers 44 destinations and more than 10 flights a day to London.
King's College was built to house the University, founded by Bishop Elphinstone under a Papal Bull issued by Pope Alexander VI on 10 February 1495. 
The Old Town House was built in 1788 and is the focal point for Old Aberdeen. Today it is home to the King's Museum and offers various exhibits. 
Fully completed in 2014, Aberdeen Sports Village offers an Olympic-size swimming pool, a 25 metre diving pool, a full-size indoor football pitch and a gym.
Sir Duncan Rice Library was designed by Danish architects Schmidt, Hammer and Lassen and opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabth II in 2012.
Elphinstone Lawn is located at the heart of the university surrounded by New King's (c. 1913), Elphinstone Hall (c. 1930) and King's College Chapel (c. 1509).
The address of the University of Aberdeen School of Social Science is:
School of Social Science
University of Aberdeen
Edward Wright Building
Dunbar Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3QY
Telephone: +44 (0)1224 272726
Email: socsci@abdn.ac.uk
Please see the People section for specific contacts.
