Social Policy BSc (Hons)

At Bath, you won’t just be reading about social policy in textbooks — you’ll be living it. From your very first year, you’ll start building hands-on skills in research, data analysis, and problem-solving, using the same tools and approaches that policymakers and researchers use in the real world. By the time you graduate, you’ll have worked on real projects, gained internship experience, and even carried out your own piece of original research through the dissertation.

What makes Bath stand out is how practical the learning is: you’ll work with real data, learn directly from research-active academics, and get opportunities to apply your knowledge outside the classroom. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Developing data skills – Core units such as Quantitative Data Analysis and Qualitative Analysis train you in the methods and software used to study real social issues.

• Independent dissertation – In your final year you design and carry out your own research project, choosing a topic you’re passionate about and working closely with an academic supervisor.

• Internship opportunities – Through the Bath Insights programme, you can take on paid, short-term internships in your first or second year, gaining early professional experience alongside your studies.

• Policy research internships – You can apply for placements with the Institute for Policy Research (IPR), where you’ll contribute to live policy projects and strengthen your skills in writing, analysis, and communication.

• Work experience options – The University supports placements, summer internships, and micro-internships, often involving external organisations and charities, giving you valuable networking and teamwork experience.

• Research-led environment – You’ll be taught in a department known for its strong policy research centres, meaning your lectures and seminars are shaped by the latest developments in welfare, global politics, and social justice.

All of this ensures that by the time you graduate, you’ll not only understand social policy but also know how to research, analyse, and apply it in real-world settings — making you a confident candidate for employers or further study.

A Social Policy degree from Bath opens the door to a wide mix of careers. Many graduates step into roles where they influence real change, whether as policy advisers shaping government decisions, social researchers digging into big issues, or professionals working in housing, human resources, or communications. Others choose to build on their knowledge through further study, moving into postgraduate degrees or research pathways. The strength of this course lies in the practical and analytical skills you’ll develop, which are highly valued across sectors:

• Support to find your path: Bath’s Careers Service runs CV workshops, mock interviews, and employer events, helping you connect with opportunities from day one. You’ll also benefit from placement or study-abroad options, which most Bath students take advantage of to stand out in the job market.

• Strong graduate outcomes: Around 80% of Bath’s Social Policy and Sociology graduates are working or in further study within 15 months, with average salaries starting at around £28,000 and increasing with experience. Importantly, 9 out of 10 graduates in work are in high-skilled roles.

• Employer connections: Bath is one of the most targeted universities by top employers. Through guest lectures, live projects, and links with public sector bodies, charities, and NGOs, you’ll gain valuable exposure to the organisations that matter.

• Reputation that lasts: A degree from Bath is respected across industries. The focus on research, critical thinking, and evidence-based policy means you’ll graduate with a skillset that employers know is both practical and rigorous.

Typical graduate roles include: Policy Adviser, Social Researcher, Housing or Welfare Specialist, Human Resources or Communications Professional.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, you could progress to a Master’s in Social Policy, Public Policy, or Development Studies, either at Bath or at another top university. Many students also pursue a PhD in related fields, especially if they’re keen to move into high-level research or academic careers. Professional routes such as public administration or specialised training in data analysis and programme evaluation are also popular next steps.