The School of Politics and International Studies appoints new Head of School

As the academic year gets fully underway, we are delighted to welcome a new Head of School.

Professor Richard Beardsworth joins us from Aberystwyth University, where he held the position of Professor of International Politics and Head of Department.

Of his new role in the School of Politics and International Studies here at Leeds, Professor Beardsworth said “'It is a great pleasure and an exciting challenge to become the new Head of School at this historical moment. The School is on an ascending curve of excellence in both research and research-led teaching, and I know from meeting students what a strong undergraduate and graduate experience all members of the School provide.

“I wish in the coming years to help square this excellence - where and when needed - with the substantive and methodological vision of the politics of global challenges, of sustainability, and interdisciplinarity. To see the School becoming a guiding beacon for UK Higher Education on these and other political matters is my clear team-goal. It will be hard work, but also fun.”

Professor Jeremy Higham, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, said “Richard brings extensive experience and expertise both as a leading academic and as an academic leader. I very much look forward to him joining the faculty’s management team and to working with, and learning from him, as he leads the further development of the School of Politics and International Studies.”