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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.

Find out more about us
1st Politics Department to hold an Athena Swan Silver award
Top 100 Politics department QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
7th for Politics in the UK Complete University Guide 2025
50+ countries We currently have students from over 50 countries studying with us

  

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.

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  • 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.

    Cluster of staff and students taking a group photo in a classroom

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.

Cluster of staff and students taking a group photo in a classroom
The MSc in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding offers a program that has a great balance between scholar and practitioner-minded debates in the field of peace and conflict studies. Students benefit not only from academics with vast experience in several regions of the world, but also from visiting lecturers who work as practitioners at international NGOs, government institutions and international organisations in the peace and conflict field. The diversity of the staff and students in the MSc made the experience at SGIA extremely rich.
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MSc Conflict Prevention and Peace Building

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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New £5m research centre to support North East England’s growing space industry

We’ve launched a new £5m research centre to support North East England’s growing space industry and lead on the sustainable exploration of the cosmos.

Global research
Two people silhouetted against a starry sky.

Our Chancellor reflects on US election results with University community

Our Chancellor, Dr Fiona Hill, met with staff, students and friends of the University as they came together to discuss the US election results and their wider significance, both domestically and for foreign policy in the US, the UK, and Europe.
Durham news
A group of people standing in front of a building

National equality, diversity and inclusion prize for Dr Bahar Baser

One of our inspiring international affairs researchers has been recognised for her significant contribution to promoting inclusivity.
Global research
Dr Bahar Baser looking at the camera holding a circular glass award and a certificate

Leading security scholar addresses Parliamentary inquiry

Professor Anoush Ehteshami was recently invited to give evidence to the UK Foreign Affairs Committee inquiry hearing into the UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Durham news
Picture of Professor Anoush

World’s military must accurately report carbon emissions

The world’s military must more accurately report its carbon emissions or measures to cut the greenhouse gas risk becoming “guesswork”.
Global research
Military fighter jets on an aircraft carrier

Examining the protests in Iran

Iran has seen weeks of anti-government protests which began following the death of Mahsa Amini in mid-September, days after her arrest for allegedly not complying with the country’s strict rules on head coverings. Professor Anoush Ehteshami, the Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah Chair in International Relations, in Durham University’s School of Government and International Affairs, examines the current wave of protests.
Research news
A map showing the word Iran

What long-term economic stagnation means for climate change

Current economic problems are bad for green investment, but according to Dr Jack Copley, Assistant Professor in International Political Economy in our School of Government and International Affairs, the economic obstacles to effective decarbonisation are more deeply entrenched.
Research news
A solar panel array in the sunshine
More news

I interviewed Syria’s militias at the start of the war – they will listen if other countries engage them

Assistant Professor in International Security William Plowright explores what may happen next in Syria following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Protesters with Syrian flags outside a building

Gaza: outlook for Palestinians bleak under a Trump presidency that looks set to go ‘all the way’ with Netanyahu

Professor of Regional Security Clive Jones writes about how US policy toward Israel will change under Trump, and how this could impact Gaza.
People stand outside in Gaza warzone

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

We are ranked 51-100 in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
Logo for the QS University Rankings

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.

Durham University

The Palatine Centre
Durham University
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE

Switchboard: +44 (0)191 334 2000

 

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