BSc Social Policy

One of the best things about studying Social Policy at Bristol is that your learning doesn’t just happen in lectures. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to apply what you’re studying in real-world contexts, work alongside experts, and shape your degree around your interests. From placements to independent projects, the course is designed to build both your confidence and your career prospects.

Here’s how that plays out during your time here:

• Work placements in Year 2 – You can choose a unit that lets you work directly with organisations tackling issues like poverty, health, or community well-being. It’s a chance to see how policy decisions affect real lives while gaining valuable experience for your CV.

• Independent research in your final year – Your dissertation is more than just an academic exercise; it’s your opportunity to dive into a social issue you care about and develop original insights, guided by supportive academics.

• Specialist modules and topical projects – Whether it’s exploring climate policy, gender-based violence, or youth welfare, you’ll study issues that are shaping society today, with discussions always grounded in the latest research.

• Quantitative skills pathway – If you enjoy working with data, you can follow the Q-Step route and train in advanced statistical methods and data analysis. These skills are highly sought after in government, NGOs, and research.

• Learning community and resources – You’ll be part of a vibrant department where teaching is led by active researchers, so the knowledge you gain is cutting-edge. Add to that Bristol’s outstanding libraries, study spaces, and support services, and you’ll have everything you need to succeed.

Studying Social Policy at Bristol sets you up for a career where you can really make a difference. Employers value the way this degree combines critical thinking with practical skills, and many of our graduates step straight into rewarding roles. Typical career paths include working as a Policy Analyst, Social Researcher, Community Development Officer, or even advising in government and non-profit organisations.

And the opportunities go even further:

• Career support at Bristol: You’ll have the Careers Service behind you from day one—helping with CVs, interview prep, and networking. Plus, you can choose a work placement in your second year, giving you direct experience with real employers.

• Strong employment outcomes: Around 95% of Bristol Social Policy graduates are employed or continuing their studies within just 15 months of finishing their degree.

• Valuable connections: The School of Policy Studies has long-standing links with public bodies, charities, and NGOs, so you’ll be working with people and organisations that genuinely influence policy.

• A respected degree: Bristol’s Social Policy programme is one of the most established in the UK, which gives your qualification real weight when employers or postgraduate admissions teams see it.

• Graduate destinations: Alumni go on to careers across government, charities, international development, research organisations, and consultancy—fields where your insights into society and policy are in demand.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to take your studies further, this degree is a perfect stepping stone. Many graduates progress to Master’s degrees in Public Policy, Social Policy, or International Development, while others move into research pathways such as an MRes or PhD. It’s also a strong foundation for professional routes like Social Work, NGO management, or public administration.