We are pleased to share the latest Impact Factor (IF) results for our four journals, released as part of the 2025 Journal Citation Reports. Across the portfolio, the picture is largely one of growth, stability, and continued standing in top quartile rankings.
On seeing these results PSA Trustee for Publications Professor Nicholas Allen said:
“The latest Impact Factors speak to the excellence of the work published across our four journals. The PSA would like to thank all the authors whose work we publish—and especially our brilliant editorial teams who contribute so much to promoting disciplinary knowledge and advancing political studies.”
Political Studies Journal — IF: 2.8
Political Studies maintains its 2024 Impact Factor of 2.8, holding steady despite a significant expansion in output. The journal received 351 citations to 124 items this year, compared to 238 citations to 86 items previously, a clear sign of growing reach and engagement with the field. The journal continues to sit in Q1; a strong result given the increased volume of published content.
“The Political Studies editorial team is pleased to maintain the journal’s high ranking and increased 5-year IF, both of which nicely reflect that the journal is a premier outlet for meaningful and important contributions to wider and ongoing debates within the field.” Political Studies Editorial Team based at the University of York Political Studies – Political Studies Association
Politics Journal — IF: 3.0
Politics is the standout performer this year, with its Impact Factor rising from 2.5 to 3.0. This improvement is driven by a meaningful increase in citations, 158 to 53 items, up from 137 citations to 54 items last year. This reflects the journal’s growing influence. Politics retains its Q1 ranking and holds the same overall position as in 2024.
“We are thrilled to share our 2025 Impact Factor (3.0) — a significant increase from last year (2.5). An incredible milestone for Politics, currently housed at the University of Glasgow. The substantial increase of the journal’s Impact Factor highlights the growing influence, high-quality research, and vital conversations happening within our pages. A huge thank you to our incredible authors, dedicated reviewers, editorial board members, and engaged readers who make this progress possible! We would also like to acknowledge the hard work, expertise and collegiality of our Associate Editors in Politics & International Relations at Glasgow who have helped us handle manuscripts efficiently and constructively.” Politics Editorial Team Politics – Political Studies Association
BJPIR: The British Journal of Politics and International Relations — IF: 2.4
BJPIR records an Impact Factor of 2.4 this year, which continues to reflect the journal’s strong standing and long-term growth. While the two-year citation window has shifted, with some of the journal’s most highly cited articles now falling outside the calculation period. The underlying citation volume remains robust at 295, broadly in line with last year’s 301. Importantly, this year’s figure remains above scores from previous years, underlining BJPIR’s sustained trajectory as a leading outlet in Politics and International Relations.
“We are delighted that BJPIR continues on its upward trend through our editorship. Five years into our tenure, the journal’s five-year impact factor of 3.5 places it firmly in the top quartiles for Politics and International Relations. This has been reflected in: submission rates, which have doubled; the quality of work we receive; and the increased internationalisation of the journal. As we enter our final year, we are excited to continue to review and publish cutting-edge research that makes important contributions that help to further the discipline(s).” BJPIR Editorial Team based at the University of Leeds British Journal of Politics and International Relations – Political Studies Association
Political Studies Review (PSR) — IF: 2.2
PSR records its strongest Impact Factor to date, rising from 1.8 to 2.2. The journal has seen growth in both citations and content, with 300 citations to 135 items compared to 203 citations to 113 items in 2024. Maintaining a Q2 position while achieving this level of output growth is a very positive result and a testament to the quality and breadth of work the journal is publishing.
“We are all thrilled to see that our impact factor has increased this year. It is a testament to the strength and vitality of the PSR community – and demonstrates that we continue to play a pivotal role in generating political debate in the UK and beyond. Thank you to all of our authors, reviewers, and readers who have helped to support us in our vision to make PSR both interdisciplinary and international in scope. We will continue to publish the exciting work of PSA specialist groups, and provide a platform for a wide range of publication formats to showcase the innovation in our field.” The PSR Editorial Team based at the University of Portsmouth & beyond Political Studies Review – Political Studies Association
A reflection from Our Publisher, SAGE Publishing:
“This year’s results across the PSA journals show a really positive and encouraging picture, with strong citation performance and continued growth in published research across the suite. It’s great to see Political Studies and BJPIR maintaining positions in the top quartiles for Political Science and International Relations, and fantastic to see Politics and Political Studies Review increasing their impact factors.
The journals continue to publish influential work at the forefront of Politics and International Relations, and these results reflect the huge amount of work that goes into them, as well as the continued commitment of the editorial teams and the wider community of reviewers and authors who support them. We at SAGE are incredibly proud to be the PSA’s publishing partner.”
Overall, this year’s results reflect well on the reach and reputation of the PSA’s journals. We congratulate the editors, editorial boards, authors, and reviewers whose work makes these outcomes possible, and we look forward to another strong year ahead. We hope the PSA’s international scholarly community will continue to support its journals and make them the go-to place for our research to be published. You can find out more about our journals, the editors and how to submit here: Publications & Resources – Political Studies Association
