BSc International Social and Public Policy with Study Abroad

One of the best things about studying International Social and Public Policy at Bristol is how much real-world experience you gain alongside your lectures and seminars. You won’t just learn about policy in theory—you’ll see how it works in practice, test ideas in real settings, and develop skills that employers truly value. And with the chance to spend a year abroad, you’ll graduate with an international perspective that makes you stand out.

Here’s what that looks like during your degree:

• Hands-on work placement in Year 2 – you can choose to spend part of your second year working in a policy-related role, gaining practical skills and building professional confidence before you even graduate.

• Study abroad in Year 3 – spend a year at one of Bristol’s partner universities overseas, comparing policy systems in a new cultural context and building global awareness.

• Independent research project in your final year – you’ll design and complete your own dissertation on a topic that excites you, applying all the research, critical thinking, and analysis skills you’ve developed.

• Support from experts – you’ll learn in a close-knit department, taught by lecturers who are active researchers and bring their knowledge directly into the classroom.

• Modern study spaces and resources – from 24-hour libraries and IT labs to group study rooms and creative learning hubs, you’ll have all the facilities you need to collaborate, research, and prepare for your projects.

• Flexible teaching environments – Bristol’s lecture halls and seminar rooms are equipped with hybrid teaching tools and lecture capture, meaning you can revisit materials and learn in ways that suit your style.

A degree in International Social and Public Policy from Bristol opens doors to careers where you can make a real difference. Many graduates go on to work as policy analysts, international development advisors, NGO officers, or public affairs consultants—roles that allow them to shape policies, influence decision-making, and tackle global challenges. Employers value the international outlook and critical skills that come from both the academic study and the study-abroad experience.

And Bristol gives you plenty of support to get there:

• Tailored career support – From your very first year, the Careers Service helps with exploring options, CV writing, applications, and interview prep. You’ll also have access to employer events, fairs, and workshops, with continued support for up to three years after graduation.

• Outstanding employment results – Bristol is consistently ranked among the UK’s most sought-after universities by top recruiters. Within 15 months of finishing, 94% of graduates are working or in further study, with average graduate salaries starting around £34,000.

• Strong employer links – You’ll benefit from connections with hundreds of organisations, from charities and NGOs to multinationals. Opportunities like the SME Internship Scheme and the Bristol PLUS Award give you practical experience and professional recognition.

• Global recognition – The degree’s international and interdisciplinary approach means your qualification carries weight around the world, making you highly employable in both the UK and abroad.

• Graduate outcomes – Beyond technical skills, you’ll graduate with confidence, independence, and the ability to analyse policy in different cultural and institutional contexts.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you’ll find a natural pathway into postgraduate options. Many students go on to MSc programmes in Public Policy, Global Health Policy, Social Science Research, or Social Innovation, either at Bristol or other leading universities. For those keen on research, Bristol also offers MRes and PhD opportunities within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law.

 In short: this degree doesn’t just prepare you for a job—it prepares you for a meaningful career with impact, whether you step straight into the professional world or carry your studies further.