Politics

Politics at Stirling is an outward-looking community where students examine the forces shaping society and the wider world. Our programmes help students develop the knowledge, critical thinking and employability skills needed to succeed and make a difference.

Our BA Politics degree explores political ideas, institutions, power and the major challenges facing contemporary society. Our BA International Politics degree examines how power, interests and institutions interact globally, equipping students to assess security, inequality, development, conflict and cooperation.

Students learn through lectures, guest talks, negotiation simulations, role play, group projects and authentic assessments. They engage with politicians, diplomats and policy professionals, while postgraduate students can benefit from opportunities such as our Geneva study trip, organised with UNITAR. Politics achieved 95.4% overall satisfaction, and were ranked 2nd in Scotland, in the 2025 National Student Survey, while the Master of Public Policy achieved 100% satisfaction in the 2025 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey.

Teaching is underpinned by internationally relevant research. Supported by partners including EU Horizon, the UK FCDO and UKRI, staff lead work on environmental justice, low-carbon transitions, conflict, cooperation and public policy. With 73% of REF 2021 outputs judged internationally excellent or world-leading, this research strengthens teaching, informs debate and contributes to policymaking in Scotland, the UK and internationally.