School of Government

Welcome to the School of Government

Welcome to the School of Government. We are a large and thriving School, committed to creating a caring, accessible and inclusive environment in which everyone feels they belong and may thrive. Our staff and student body is diverse, coming from all around the world, and bringing with them rich, varied and international perspectives. The programmes we offer in Government are underpinned by the values of civic engagement and socially responsible leadership. This means that we will encourage you to think independently and imaginatively, find ways forward- notwithstanding challenges - so you can make a positive difference to communities at local, national, or global levels.

Learning about politics, international relations, international development, public management and public administration involves encountering some of the most pressing global challenges of the 21^st century: climate change, conflicts around the world, pandemics, democracy, deep-set inequalities that shape people’s lives and opportunities, the uneven distribution of power and resources, and how to engage in global cooperation and diplomacy within and beyond institutions and organisations. You will learn about these controversies and issues from international experts in these fields; whilst obtaining the skills to think critically about how power is exercised in these different settings. Finally, you will also consider and figure out how these immense challenges can be addressed in practice.

We are so excited that you are coming to study with us and can’t wait to welcome you in person!

Undergraduate Programmes

Postgraduate Programmes

School Key Contacts

Student Experience Officers

Kerrie Myers: gov-studentexperience@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Contact Kerrie about any aspect of your student experience.

Education Support Officers

The Education Support Office is home to our team of Education Support Administrators for the School of Government. The Office exists to support your progression throughout your degree – this includes pulling together module information, organising assessments, and answering any student questions across the year.

If you have a question, concern, or would just like further information on something related to your degree, you can contact your Education Support Office at the emails below.

You can also pop into Muirhead Tower Room 538 throughout termtime to talk to one of our team directly.

IDD and POLSIS Undergraduates: gandsugenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk
IDD Postgrad: idd.pg@contacts.bham.ac.uk
POLSIS Postgrad: polsis.pgt@contacts.bham.ac.uk
INLOGOV Postgrad: inlogov.pg@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Here are the contact details for your Education Support Team. You can contact your administrator when you need support issues related to the organisation of your course such as timetabling, assessments, lectures and Canvas.

This is also the email address for you to write to if you are unsure where to direct your query.

Wellbeing Team

Email: Gov.wellbeing@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Contact the wellbeing team for pastoral support and any queries about disability support and reasonable adjustments.

School Societies

Student societies are a way for you to come together and connect with other students who share your ideas and interests. Societies are run by students, for students – with each society running events, activities, meet-ups, and field trips throughout the year.

International Development Society

The International Development society is open to anyone studying or interested in international development. The society provides an opportunity to reflect and engage in lively topical debates about global development efforts -particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- with like-minded peers. The society also organises a range of events, such as field trips, debates, discussion panels, and much more. Find out more information on joining the ID society

Politics Society

The Politics Society (also known as POLSOC) is for anyone interested in or studying politics. They work with the School and the Guild of Students to run a mixture of events to make sure you get the most out of politics at the University of Birmingham, including social, sports, academic, and careers & employability events. If you would like to find out more about Politics Society, please visit their Instagram account @uobpolitics.

Women in Politics

Women in Politics is a non-partisan group where you can meet and socialise in a friendly and informative environment. The society organises a range of events from small social gatherings, film and discussion nights, workshops from the civil service, to their annual conference. To find out more please visit Women In Politics on Instagram @womeninpoliticsuob.

POLSIS in Colour (PiC)

POLSIS In Colour is a student-led society for students from black, asian, and ethnic minority communities studying within the department of POLSIS. The society works actively within the department to promote opportunities for it's members and other students in POLSIS, including organising events, activities, and internships. You can find more about POLSIS in Colour on their Instagram @polsisincolour.

LGBTQ+ in Politics

LGBTQ+ in Politics is a social group exclusively for the LGBTQ+ student community in the School of Government – where students can meet, socialise and organise events. You can find information on how to get involved in LGBTQ+ in Politics during Welcome Week.

Guild of Students

Your Guild of Students at the University is home to a huge number of student groups and sports clubs for you to get involved in – so whether you’re interested in music, movies, journalism, badminton or even skydiving – there’s no limit to the number of student societies or groups you join, so whatever your passion, there’s something for you!