Research at the Department of Politics and International Studies
The Department of Politics and International Studies is one of the leading research-driven centres in the UK.
It is unique in its coverage of the world regions and respected for combining in-depth expertise of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, global perspectives, and a critical approach to knowledge production. Research in the Department is recognised for its innovative methods and cutting-edge theoretical contributions.
Research Clusters
Our academics conduct research across eight Department clusters specialising on the international politics of Asia, Africa, Middle East, Political Economy, Political Theory, Security and Conflict, and Political Identities. Work in these clusters is also enriched by Visiting Scholars and by doctoral researchers enrolled in our PhD programme.
REF 2021
In the 2021 UK Research Excellent Framework (REF), almost 90% of the publications produced by our academic staff were considered world-leading or internationally excellent. The Department ranked 7 in the UK in terms of its research impact, and its research environment was judged to be excellent, highlighting interdisciplinarity, international connections and diversity as particular strengths.
The overall REF result placed the Department in the first quartile among 56 institutions. Here you can find a selection of our REF impact case studies.