University of Bristol United Kingdom

BSc Social Policy and Politics

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BSc Social Policy and Politics at the University of Bristol is your gateway to understanding the intricate relationship between societal well-being and political power. This undergraduate degree is designed for students driven to explore how political decisions shape social outcomes and how social inequalities impact governance. You will delve into critical theories, comparative analyses, and the historical context of social policy, alongside the mechanics of political systems, international relations, and political thought. This program equips you with the analytical tools to dissect pressing societal issues and their political underpinnings, preparing you for a dynamic career.

You will study this full-time, on-campus degree over three years, engaging with a curriculum that balances foundational knowledge with specialist exploration. Your learning journey will involve examining key concepts in social policy and politics, developing research methods, and potentially undertaking a significant dissertation in your final year on a topic of your choice. Through optional units in areas like public policy, international political economy, and contemporary political theory, you will tailor your studies. You will graduate prepared for diverse career paths in public service, policy analysis, research, and the non-profit sector.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of social policy and politics, examining key concepts, theories, and ideologies within social policy alongside fundamental political ideas. Students will delve into comparative and international policy studies, historical perspectives on social policy, and various aspects of government and international relations. The curriculum progresses to analyze public policy, research methodologies, and specialized topics in social welfare, development, and global issues, culminating in advanced studies and research opportunities in both social policy and political science.

1 Year 1 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Comparative and International Policy Studies Mandatory
Key Concepts, Theories and Ideologies in Social Policy Mandatory
Social Policy Past and Present Mandatory
Political Concepts Mandatory
Thinking Politically Mandatory
Theories of International Relations Optional
Comparative Government and Politics: An Introduction Optional

2 Year 2 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Understanding Public Policy Mandatory
Investigating Society (Politics) Optional
Development Studies Optional
Co-operation and Integration In Europe Optional
Modern British Government and Politics Optional
Democracy and US Government Optional
The Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa Optional
Principles of Quantitative Social Science Optional
Conducting a Research Project using Secondary Data Optional
Health Policy in a Global Context (SPS) Optional
Social Policy and Development Optional
Social Care in Crisis Optional
Theorising Social Welfare Optional
Social Research Methods Optional
Poverty, Social Exclusion and Social Policy Optional
Work and Work Placements: Social Policy Optional
International Political Economy and Social Policy Optional
Education Policy in International Perspective Optional
Corporate Power, Corporate Crime and Corporate Harms Optional
Semester Abroad (TB1) Optional
Semester Abroad (TB2) Optional

3 Year 3 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Contemporary Feminist Thought: Debates and Issues Optional
The Political Economy of China Optional
European Foreign Policy Optional
US Foreign Policy Optional
How to Win a Political Argument Optional
The Politics of Gender Optional
Popular Culture and World Politics Optional
The Politics of Post Apartheid South Africa Optional
Critical Security Studies Optional
Dissertation Optional
States and Markets Optional
Contemporary Chinese Foreign Policy Optional
The Politics of the Contemporary Labour Party Optional
The Politics of Human Rights Optional
Power, Politics and Food Optional
Northern Ireland: conflict and resolution Optional
Gender and Security Optional
Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Transition in Latin America Optional
Apocalypse or Ecotopia? Optional
Politics of Rebellion Optional
Populism Optional
Philosopher Queens Optional
Britain and the EU: The Politics of Brexit Optional
Dissertation (Social Policy) Optional
Housing and home: political economy, inequality and rights Optional
Violence, Migration and Borders Optional
Climate Emergency Optional
Disability in Society Optional
Inequalities in Health, Poverty and Development Optional
Global Illicit Drug Markets Optional
Sex Power and Consumption Optional
Gender based Violence Optional
Quantitative Data Analysis for Policy Research Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,468.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,468.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,468.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 103,405.00

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

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesArchitecture & Urban PlanningClient Services & Account ManagementCorrections & RehabilitationCurriculum & Instructional DesignHealth Technology & Digital HealthMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementMedia Planning & BuyingPharmaceutical ManufacturingSecondary & 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 Social Policy and Politics 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 Social Policy and Politics at University of Bristol

Can I work while studying?

International students studying at the degree level in the UK can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you can submit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. For example, TOEFL requires an overall score of 88 with specific minimum scores in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers as policy analysts, community organizers, social researchers, or public affairs consultants.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course merges social policy with politics, emphasizing wellbeing and the distribution of power. You'll study political theory, comparative politics, and international relations while exploring contemporary social issues.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BSc Social Policy and Politics course has an intake in September. Make sure to prepare your application in advance to secure your spot.
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