About us

ARB with tree branches in the foreground

POLIS is a multidisciplinary department defined by a commitment to rigorous scholarship and a wide-ranging research agenda. As a core constituent of the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science, the Department serves as the focal point for political inquiry at the University of Cambridge.

Academic Standing and Global Recognition

POLIS consistently maintains its position among the leading politics departments globally. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, the University of Cambridge is ranked joint third overall and sixth globally for the study of politics and international studies.

Domestically, the Guardian University Guide 2026 ranks POLIS second, while the Complete University Guide 2026 identifies the Department as the top-ranked institution for politics in the country.

Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration

We prioritise innovation in research alongside high academic standards. Our integration within the University is supported by formal and informal links with several related disciplines, including:

  • History and Sociology
  • Psychology and Law
  • Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
  • Social Anthropology

These connections ensure that students and senior scholars alike can engage with a diverse range of subjects, facilitating a nuanced approach to individual research interests.

Specialised Research Centres

Beyond core instructional and research activities, the Department houses seven Centres. These entities lead investigation into the historical and contemporary dimensions of:

  • Gender and Political Thought
  • The Global South and Development Studies
  • Governance and Human Rights

A Global Scholarly Community

The Department's reputation facilitates the recruitment of a distinguished cohort of staff and students. Currently, our student community comprises more than 500 undergraduates and nearly 350 postgraduate students from over 30 countries. This international breadth fosters a vibrant environment for the critical examination of all aspects of the political discipline.