Research
We conduct high-quality research with public impact. Our innovative and rigorous research covers the breadth of the political science discipline and influences national and international policymaking.
Our work is supported by leading funders (including the Economic and Social Research Council, the European Research Council and the British Academy) and we have partnered with various organsations at local, regional, national and international levels. The quality of our research was recognised by our very high performance in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
Research Clusters
- Centre on US Politics
- Climate Politics
- Comparative, Political Economy and Behaviour
- Conflict and Change
- The Constitution Unit
- The Global Governance Institute
- Human Rights
- Law and Courts
- Legal and Political Theory
- Migration Cluster
- Public Policy, Management and Regulation
- Politics of the Global South (POGS)
- UCL Centre for the Pedagogoy of Politics
News
Reflection: Experiencing Global Governance and Ethics in Practice
Isabella Ludlam, Global Governance and Ethics student 2025/26, reflects on a trip of her cohort to Geneva.
26 Jun 2026
GGE alumni return to UCL to discuss the future of global governance
The Global Governance and Ethics MSc brought together current students, alumni and staff for a panel discussion and informal reception.
26 Jun 2026
Tom Fleming gives evidence to the Modernisation Committee on how House of Commons time is used
The Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit gave oral evidence to MPs as part of an inquiry into Backbench Business Committee and Petitions Committee Debates.
26 Jun 2026
Research clusters hold their own regular programmes of activities, with broader collaboration supported by our Departmental Research Seminars (DRS).
At DRS, external speakers present their research to staff and research students. The sessions cover all the subfields of the discipline and different methodological approaches, creating a forum that brings together researchers with diverse interests. The seminars take place throughout the entire academic year on Wednesdays, between 13.00-14.15.
UCL Uncovering Politics
Our weekly podcast explores key themes of contemporary politics and let you into our departments most intriguing research findings.
Episode information and transcriptsFeatures and comment
Mapping a Movement
What the academic study of LGBTQ+ rights can teach us about social change, with Professor Phillip Ayoub.
Public opinion on House of Lords reform
Opinion polling for the Constitution Unit shows overwhelming public support for going further than the government’s plan to remove hereditary peers.
Assessing the 'significance' of fossil fuel extraction projects’ climate impacts
UCL climate law expert Dr Fergus Green shows importance of UK Government’s new test for oil and gas projects.
Mission Driven Government: Ordinary Hope and Public Services
Dr Dan Honig explains how the best public services in the world are increasingly shaped by local government, NGOs and public servants themselves.
Trump v Harvard: why this battle will damage the US’s reputation globally
What happens at Harvard has international implications, explains Dr Thomas Gift.
Want to see more…?
Watch recording of lectures and seminars given (and chaired by) members of our research community.
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Undisciplined Preferences: How People Think About Economic Policy
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Hope in Human Rights and International Law
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Trump, Episode II: The Imperial President Strikes Back
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Priorities For The New UK Government: Decarbonising The Power System