Professor Andrew Russell welcomed to AcSS Fellowship
We are delighted to announce that Professor Andrew Russell, University of Liverpool, has been welcomed into Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS) Fellowship in recognition of his substantial professional contribution to social science. Earlier this year following an open call to the PSA membership, the PSA – as a member learned society of the AcSS – nominated scholars for consideration. Our congratulations to Professor Russell on this achievement. We would like to thank Professor Susan Banducci, University of Birmingham, Dr Meryl Kenny, University of Edinburgh and Professor Katy Hayward, Queens University, for their support in assessing member nominations. You can learn more about […]
PSA27 Annual Conference – Call for Papers open
Call for Papers PSA27 Annual Conference: Seismic Politics – impacts and responses from the global to the local University of Hull 22 – 24 March 2027 We invite proposals for 15–20 minute paper presentations that reflect the breadth of the conference theme. The PSA’s annual conference is a rewarding, and popular event for those researching, teaching, studying, or practicing politics, political studies, international relations, and related disciplines. Hosting over 200 panels, keynotes, workshops, and professional development opportunities. Last year’s annual conference attracted over 1000 international academics, students, and professionals. This three-day conference is a unique and valuable opportunity for delegates to share […]
PSA ECN Committee seeking new member to lead on events
The PSA Early Career Network committee is seeking a new, motivated colleague to join the team in this volunteer role. This is a great opportunity for Phd and Early Career Researchers to work closely with the ECN and PSA teams to develop useful project management and event organisation skills in planning and delivering engaging in-person and online events. You would be leading on the following projects: Coordinate ECN’s presence at the PSA Annual Conference Co-lead the organisation and delivery of the ECN Annual Conference Work with team members to ensure inclusive and engaging programming Help to plan, and manage logistics, timelines, […]
Results are in – 2026 Student Blogs Competition!
“How would you use AI to make a positive contribution to political discourse?” This was the question asked of students, aged 16-19 in full time secondary education, who were invited to respond by submitting a blog to the annual PSA/FT Student Blog Competition, supported by ShoutOut UK. The judges were impressed with the high standard and interesting perspectives of responses to this question. They expressed their hope that the students will continue to develop the knowledge and skills demonstrated in their submissions. From this strong field, our congratulations go to this year’s winner: Michaela Amiekhai, age 16, from Harris Chobham Academy Michaela was invited to read her blog at an event in Parliament […]
Political Theory & Impact Roundtable
Back in May the Political Thought Specialist Group held the Political Theory and Impact Roundtable at the House of Lords in London, for which we were honoured to be hosted by Lord Bhikhu Parekh. The event was organised by Professor Thom Brooks (Durham University) and was one of two Specialist Group projects which were awarded funding through the PSA Excellence & Impact Fund. The Roundtable was led by inspiring contributions from our speakers Prof Parekh, Prof Thom Brooks, Dr Mollie Gerver (Kings College London), Prof Helen McCabe (University of Nottingham) and Prof Colin Tyler (University of Hull) before being opened […]
PSA editor wins ‘Private Eye’ journalism award
Congratulations to Peter Geoghegan, Editor of the PSA’s ‘Political Insight’ magazine, who was recently announced as winner of Private Eye’s 2026 Paul Foot Award for Investigative and Campaigning Journalism for his work with colleague Khadija Sharife for their ‘Democracy for Sale’ newsletter, which exposed how Labour Together hired a PR firm to target journalists. You can find out more about their award-wining work here: The Paul Foot Award | Private Eye
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 […]
My time as Co-Chair of the PSA Teaching & Learning Network committee
-1024x620.png)
Prof. Victoria Honeyman, University of Leeds 4 November 2025 One of the joys of my career has been watching as the status of learning and teaching has increased in UK higher education, and across the world, over the last decade. As someone who is deeply committed to learning and teaching, and recognises the transformative impact which a great university education can have on individuals, being able to contribute to that increasing status of learning and teaching is amazing. As a member of the Teaching & Learning Network (TLN) – as all PSA academic members are – I enjoyed meeting with others who […]
Post-16 Skills and Education in England: New white paper & other higher education policies now in play
The government’s post-16 education and skills white paper was published on Monday 20 October 2025. This is a comprehensive 70 page document. So, what’s in the 70-page tome and what has the reaction to it been? Ed Bridges, Head of Policy & Public Affairs for the Academy of Social Sciences helpfully produced a summary for learned societies to use, and I have consequently drawn upon this heavily below. Thank you, Ed! The first notable aspect is that this strategy looking to reform post-16 education and skills in England is a joint endeavour between the Department for Education, Department for Science, Innovation and […]
WJM Mackenzie Book Prize 2024/25 – Shortlist Announced
-1024x385.png)
We are pleased to announce the shortlisted books for the WJM Mackenzie Book Prize 2024/25! A huge thank you to all those who nominated a book for this esteemed prize that celebrates the distinctive contributions these works have made to advancing Political Studies. From an impressive number of entries, our brilliant judging panel* has confirmed a shortlist of five outstanding works. The winning entry will be announced, alongside our other 2024/25 Academic Prizes, during the Annual International Conference at the PSA’s Annual Assembly on Monday 14 April 2025, If you are a PSA member, please do come along and cheer […]