New A-Level Essay Competition
The PSA American Politics Group (APG) is pleased to launch a new essay competition for A-level students. This new essay competition is part of a broader project designed at fostering engagement between the PSA American Politics Group, the Schools Programme of the Financial Times, and A-Level students, tutors and schools. This project is supported by the PSA’s Excellence and Impact Fund If you are interested in applying for this competition there is a FREE online event for applicants taking place on 25 February 2026. Key facts: What: Essay competition for 16-19 years olds studying US politics as part of a Politics A […]
Thinking About Studying Politics or IR at University?
UCAS application deadline is looming! If you are thinking about studying Politics or International Relations (IR) at University and you want to know more about what to expect, what the course might involve and what sorts of jobs or opportunities you might expect at the end, read the PSA’s new guide to Studying Politics & International Relations at University (pdf). In this 16 page pdf guide you can expect to learn more about how: Politics & International Relations degrees deepen your understanding of the world and how power is gained, lost, and applied at all levels. From critical thinking and […]
PSA supports APSA statement – Defending Academic Freedom, Democratic Institutions and International Scholarship
Political Scientists Defend Academic Freedom, Democratic Institutions, and International Scholarship in the United States. On 6 June 2025, the American Political Science Association (APSA) and political science associations, including the PSA, signed and published a statement asserting their steadfast support for the freedom of speech and academic freedom for all scholars and students, including those who live, work, and study in the United States. In the statement, they also assert the critical value of higher education and evidenced-based research in the United States and call for the unfreezing and continuance of federal funding for academic research. The statement talks of […]
Open Letter to the UK Government: The Future of Political & International Studies and Funding Pressures in Higher Education
Dear Baroness Smith, Minister of State for Education The British International Studies Association (BISA), the Political Studies Association (PSA) and the University Association for Contemporary European Studies (UACES) representing scholars and educators in Politics and International Studies, are writing to express our deep concern about the severe funding challenges in UK higher education and the potentially damaging consequences to our disciplines. While acknowledging that each of the nations of the UK has its own higher education policy, we believe that the cumulative impact of these on the UK higher education sector should be highlighted. Across the UK, universities are facing acute financial pressures. […]