University of Bristol
The BSc Social Policy programme is a fascinating interdisciplinary and applied subject that pays particular attention to analysing the distribution and delivery of resources in response to social needs, preferences and expectations. The course benefits from the rigorous linking of theoretical analysis with empirical enquiry; examining how data and research shape our understanding of social policy issues. Students will acquire the skills to enable them to critically evaluate the concepts, theories and ideologies that shape social policy, and develop qualities that enable them to become active and informed global citizens.
Bristol is one of the best places in the UK to study social policy in the UK, and the School for Policy Studies is renowned for its world leading and internationally excellent research in the areas of poverty, austerity, migration, disability, gender violence, international social policy, housing, social care.
You will join the third-year students in the Social Policy programme, and the programme combines lectures, workshops, seminars, small-group tutorials, reading of primary literature and research projects. You will be supported throughout by a personal tutor. Intercalators will leave the course with a strong grounding in social policy theories and responses. You will also gain excellent communication skills developed through oral and written presentations, and the ability to critically evaluate policy, and academic literature, skills that are highly rated in the medical sector and industry.
Programme content
To ensure that you understand core social policy concepts, you will take a unit that will set you up in the grounding of public policy or social welfare
You will be able to choose from a number of optional units, subject to change, which may include topics related to:
- Changing Families and the State
- Drugs and Society
- Gender Based Violence
- Social Policy in East Asia
- Housing, Economy and Society
- Cities and communities in the urban age
- Migration: UK, European Union and Global Perspectives
- Youth Justice
You will complete a piece of independent study or a dissertation. These will be supported by a small number of lectures or workshops on policy research and theories, and will include 1:1 supervision from a member of staff, who will work with you on this process.
Entry requirements
You can study a BSc after two or more years of study on your professional programme. Please refer to the admissions statement on our intercalation website for full guidance on how your application will be assessed.
Closing date
The closing date for applications will be advised on the University of Bristol Intercalated degrees website.