University of Bristol United Kingdom

BSc International Social and Public Policy with Study Abroad

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BSc International Social and Public Policy with Study Abroad at the University of Bristol is designed for intellectually curious students eager to understand and address complex global challenges. You will explore key concepts, theories, and ideologies within social policy, examining historical contexts and contemporary issues across diverse societies. This undergraduate degree provides a robust foundation in critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing you to evaluate policy interventions and their real-world impacts. If you are passionate about making a difference and interested in comparative and international policy studies, this course offers a unique pathway to global understanding.

Studied full-time on campus over four years, this programme integrates rigorous academic learning with practical application, including a dedicated year abroad to broaden your international perspective. You will develop essential social research methods, analyse public policy, and engage with topics ranging from global challenges to health policy and inequality. In your final year, you will undertake a significant dissertation, allowing you to delve deeply into a research question of your choice. You will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of international social and public policy, equipped for diverse careers in government, NGOs, international organisations, and policy research.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of international social and public policy, equipping students with critical skills and theoretical frameworks. Across the undergraduate years, students will engage with key concepts, comparative studies, and global challenges, alongside research methods and specialized topics like health policy and political economy. A significant component of this degree includes a dedicated year abroad, providing invaluable international experience before culminating in a dissertation and advanced optional modules in the final year.

1 Year 1 Units Overview (Total: 120 credit points)

Critical Skills for Social Scientists Compulsory
Key Concepts, Theories and Ideologies in Social Policy Compulsory
Social Policy Past and Present Compulsory
Comparative and International Policy Studies Compulsory
Global Challenges Compulsory
Segregation and Inequality in International Perspective Optional
Collective Action and Policy Change Optional

2 Year 2 Overview

Understanding Public Policy Compulsory
Social Research Methods Compulsory
International Political Economy and Social Policy Compulsory
Health Policy in a Global Context Optional
Colonialism, Sexual Offences and Law Optional
Globalisation, Crime, Harm and Justice Optional
Activist Criminology and Social Policy Optional
Youth, Sexualities and Gendered Violence Optional
Education Policy in International Perspective Optional
Social Policy and Development Optional
Corporate Power, Corporate Crime and Corporate Harms Optional
Theorising Social Welfare Optional
Punishment in Society Optional
Global Policing Optional

3 Year 3 – Year Abroad

Year Abroad Mandatory

4 Year 4 – Final Year (Post Study Abroad)

Dissertation (International Social and Public Policy) Compulsory
Cities and Public Policy Optional
Critical Studies of Harm, Violence, and Oppression Optional
Gender Based Violence Optional
Climate Emergency Optional
Violence, Migration and Borders Optional
Childhoods in a Global Context Optional
Quantitative Data Analysis for Policy Research Optional
Inequalities in Health, Poverty and Development Optional
Leisure, Pleasure and Harm Optional
Radical Histories: Hate, Trauma and the Limits of the Law Optional
Work, Employment, and Society Optional
Social Policy in East Asia Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,159.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,159.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,159.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,159.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 120,639.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,285.00 - USD 2,164.00
Food & Groceries USD 1,048.00 - USD 1,402.00
Transport USD 355.00 - USD 693.00
Utilities & Bills USD 10,471.00 - USD 13,967.00
Estimated Total USD 11,874.00 - USD 16,062.00

Living cost estimates are based on Clifton campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

95%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

EdTech & E-LearningEducation Policy & AdministrationElectrical & Mechanical InstallationEvent & Experiential MarketingHigher Education & UniversitiesPharmaceutical ManufacturingPharmacovigilance & Drug SafetyQuantity Surveying & Cost EstimationRehabilitation & PhysiotherapySecondary & High School Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

European commission

North Bristol NHS Trust

United Nations

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust

University of Exeter

Why Study BSc International Social and Public Policy with Study Abroad at University of Bristol

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Bristol in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BSc International Social and Public Policy with Study Abroad at University of Bristol

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required for degree course students.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you need to meet the English proficiency requirements. Acceptable tests include TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE with specific score criteria.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers in policy analysis, social research, and public administration.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course covers disciplines like economics and political science, enabling you to analyze and evaluate policy issues across various contexts. The study abroad component enhances your understanding of global policy frameworks.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BSc International Social and Public Policy with Study Abroad course has an intake in September. Ensure you apply before the deadline to secure your spot.
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