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School of Government and International Affairs

Combining a long tradition of expertise within politics, political theory, political economy and international relations, we provide an exceptional environment for learning, training and research.
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Welcome to the School of Government and International Affairs (SGIA)

The School of Government and International Affairs is a research-intensive department that uses innovative teaching techniques to ensure we combine our latest world-leading research into the programmes we deliver.

Our key areas of teaching cover the wide range of sub-fields in Political Science and International Relations in which we deliver expertise, including government, political theory, political economy, and international relations with a depth of specialisms in regional expertise, covering multiple regions of the world such as such as Europe, East Asia, the Middle East and the wider Muslim world, Africa, and America. We welcome a wide range of visiting professors who are experts in their field and regularly work with our students.

Top 100 In the QS World Rankings 2022

Find out more about us
50+ countries We currently have students from over 50 countries studying with us
Top 100 Politics department QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
7th for Politics in UK Complete University Guide 2023
1st Politics Department to hold an Athena Swan Bronze award

Study with us

  • Undergraduate study

    We offer the opportunity to develop a thorough and deep knowledge of the diverse and fascinating world of Political studies. Our students tackle subjects across this broad discipline, taking modules in political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

    A group of students discussing their thoughts

  • Postgraduate study

    We pride ourselves on turning students into independent researchers who take responsibility for their own learning. We offer students training that will allow them to develop the skills required to understand, evaluate and produce knowledge about politics and international relations.

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Undergraduate study

We offer the opportunity to develop a thorough and deep knowledge of the diverse and fascinating world of Political studies. Our students tackle subjects across this broad discipline, taking modules in political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

A group of students discussing their thoughts

Postgraduate study

We pride ourselves on turning students into independent researchers who take responsibility for their own learning. We offer students training that will allow them to develop the skills required to understand, evaluate and produce knowledge about politics and international relations.

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Our Research

Our institutes and research centres promote key research agendas. They are focal points for networking and encouraging a diverse mix of collaborations between leading researchers and courses taking place across the world.
Find out more about our research centres

Explore...

What's new?

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Drones, Afghanistan, and beyond: Towards analysis and assessment in context

Afghanistan is one of the most drone-affected states, however, very few scholarly studies of drone use there exist.

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Launch of BRI Dialogues

It gives us great pleasure to announce the launch of BRI Dialogues.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - WRITING WORKSHOP Amplifying African Voices in Peacekeeping and Statebuilding

Student updates

Find out what our graduates and current students are getting up to on our Durham blog.

Highlights

I lobbied in Parliament: here’s what it’s like…

International Relations graduate, Marina tells us about her experience as a ONE Youth Ambassador.
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Calling all international students – could you be a leader?

Philosophy and Politics student, Lijie explores international leadership and running in an NUS Election.
A group of students standing in the NUS elections

Get in touch

Contact us to find out more about admissions, placements and postgraduate research.

  • General Enquiries - Ask Us
  • Your Durham Prospectus

    • Durham University

    The Palatine Centre
    Durham University
    Stockton Road
    Durham
    DH1 3LE

    Switchboard: +44 (0)191 334 2000