Studying with us

As a postgraduate student within the School of Politics and International Studies, you will join a community of experts who are as passionate about your subject as you are. Our academics will challenge you and encourage you to explore, question and discover at every stage of your studies.

Our learning and teaching approach will allow you to succeed whilst offering you a range of opportunities to broaden your studies according to your interests and aspirations. Throughout your time with us, you will also be able to take advantage of our excellent study facilities, personal development opportunities, professional support and more.

Learning and teaching

Our modules are conducted through a combination of traditional seminar and tutorial work plus independent project-based investigation. Assessment is through written examinations, essays and projects. You’ll also be expected to carry out a good deal of independent, detailed and considered study.

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will be your first port of call for all your academic needs and are there to help you achieve your potential during your time with us.

Tailoring your studies

Within most years of study you can choose a number of specialist optional modules from across the School, allowing you to tailor your degree to your own interests and career ambitions.

Explore the options your course offers on your degree listing.

Civic Researcher module

As a student in the School you will have the opportunity to apply for our Engaging the Modern City – the Civic Researcher module. You will be teamed up with students from across discilines to carry out a research project with a local organisation. It gives you the chance to develop and demonstrates employability skills, support local community organisations and build your network. 

Find out more about the opportunity.

Sharing our expertise

Your learning will be enriched by our academics' range of experience. Because our programmes are directly informed by research developments, your course will cover the latest thinking and you will be taught by leaders in their field.

Our staff regularly travel the globe to conduct first-hand research in the international community, advise NGOs and governments and contribute to policy-making. 

Discover more about our research and expertise.

Excellent facilities and resources

Our vibrant learning and research community is based in the Social Sciences Building, which has been re-designed to be environmentally sustainable and accessible for disabled students. You'll benefit from state-of-the-art seminar rooms, research spaces and common areas.

Across campus you'll also have access to, for example:

• Four libraries which are home to over 2.8 million books and journals plus dedicated study spaces
• PCs (some accessible 24 hours) across the campus and free Wi-Fi in most areas
• Minerva, the University’s Virtual Learning Environment. Typically you might use Minerva to access electronic copies of lecture handouts, follow up on links to additional study resources, or to watch podcasts of lectures
• The Language Centre which offers a broad range of language training and preparation courses. The Centre also runs the Language Zone — a free resource available to all students interested in learning a new language, or keeping up an old one — with language learning materials in over 40 languages.

Read more about academic facilities at the University of Leeds.

Enrichment opportunities to enhance your experience

As part of our thriving student community, you can also get involved with a range of clubs and societies, take advantage of our sports and fitness facilities, or join volunteering programmes and international events. 

Find out more about enrichment opportunities.