Politics research

Politics at Manchester is a large, dynamic, and inclusive department.

At the heart of our research is a commitment to social and global responsibility and to ensuring that our research makes a difference.

Our research expertise addresses some of the key challenges of the 21st century, from redistributing wealth and rebuilding after conflict to the rise of right-wing populism and the growing climate emergency. 

In keeping with the proud traditions of Manchester, we often take a critical stance, challenging existing orthodoxies and articulating new ways of understanding political issues from the local to the global. 

Five key clusters form the bedrock of research in the Department and every member of staff is a member of at least one cluster:  

• Comparative Politics
• Critical Global Politics
• Democracy and Elections
• Global Political Economy
• Manchester Centre for Political Theory

We play a key role in the University's Policy@manchester platform, which channels research findings to shape policy debates and influences policy-making. 

The British Election Study (BES) is managed by a partnership between The University of Manchester and The University of Oxford. It is the longest running social science survey in the UK and central to British election studies. 

Our research has a lasting impact on civil society and policy-making around the world.