SPAIS – the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies –  is an interdisciplinary research and teaching environment with close to 60 academic staff.

We are situated in the heart of the city of Bristol and the excellent facilities of the University.

Our prominent academics explore pressing theoretical questions and engage in cutting-edge empirical research. They are internationally renowned in their fields – publishing their ideas in academic books and journals, policy reports and articles, and discussing them in lively debates across the media and through events organised by our research centres. 

There has never been more need for innovative, relevant and rigorous social and political science.

Our research and teaching addresses some of the most important topics that face us today – questions of globalisation, risk and uncertainty; issues of security and the resilience of states; of gender and social inequality; problems of migration, ethnicity and citizenship; and dilemmas of global development and sustainability.  

We explore these with research conducted in areas as diverse as the societies of East Asia, the European Union and the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East.

SPAIS is also a lively and friendly place to work and study, and we're passionate about engaging with students of all ages, from all backgrounds.

Our widening participation and outreach activities enable a more diverse cohort of students to explore the subjects of sociology, politics and international studies and learn about future career opportunities they can pursue.

We are proud to provide a welcoming and supportive base for students and scholars from all over the world.

Professor Therese O'Toole

Head of the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies (SPAIS)