About the School of Government In 'About us' About usKey staff in the School Back to 'School of Government' The School of Government is one of the leading UK and international centres for politics, international relations, international development, and European studies. The School brings together academic staff, research staff and doctoral students across a number of areas of study within the Social Sciences: Department of Political Science and International Studies Institute of Local Government Studies International Development Department With a population of more than 28,000 students including 4,000 international students from over 150 countries, Birmingham is one of the largest international student communities in the UK. We support International Students by familiarising them with the UK educational system and helping them to develop their academic English. The School of Government at the University of Birmingham was awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze Award in 2019.