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University of Bristol
School for Policy Studies

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What do we do?

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The School for Policy Studies delivers highly-rated postgraduate programmes, professional training and research in social policy, public policy and social work. Our multidisciplinary team of policy experts includes economists, sociologists, historians, social policy analysts, human geographers and social workers based at specialist research centres within the Faculty of Social Sciences & Law at the world class University of Bristol.

What is social policy?

Social policy is an interdisciplinary subject involving aspects of sociology, economics, geography, political science, history, law and philosophy. Unique in addressing people's wellbeing as its core concern, social policy considers how society organises itself and responds to basic human needs.

Why study social policy/public policy?

Social policy has a major impact on everyone’s life.  Its effects can be seen in all aspects of society such as housing, health care, family policy, social and criminal justice, child welfare and social care. Every day, governments and institutions around the globe make decisions about policy that will affect how you and your family live your lives.  So, if you have ever wondered about what really goes on behind the headlines and want to find out more about policy and its impact, the study of social policy can give you an excellent place to start looking for some answers.

World class research and teaching

The Research Assessment Exercise 2008 confirmed the strength and depth of the School’s research culture. The Research Power index places us fourth out of 66 UK universities in social policy and social work. The School's RAE webpage has more information about the RAE and our results. Our vibrant research culture underpins high quality teaching delivered by staff who are experts in their fields.

Careers

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Our professional programmes qualify you for careers in social work.

Postgraduates from our other programmes are highly sought after and develop careers in the areas of strategy, policy and research in a wide range of national and international bodies including central and local government, the voluntary sector, non-governmental organisations and academia. Our postgraduates also move into careers in politics, journalism, accountancy, teaching, and so on.

The University’s helpful and professional careers service can support you in your job search after your studies.

Great location

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The School is housed in a series of four large Victorian Villas very close to the Arts and Social Sciences Library and the Computing Centre. We are a few minutes’ walk away from the lively streets of Queen's Road and Park Street well stocked with shops, museums, and plenty of cafes, bars, and eateries. You can find out more about Bristol, the University and other useful information for prospective students on the Study at Bristol webpages.

Masters programmes

MSc Policy Research

This is recognised as a research training programme for the ESRC 1+3 PhD. Researchers, research managers, policy advisers and service planners are all faced with a growing need for top quality research which is timely and relevant. This programme has been designed for people in these positions within public service organisations.

MSc Social Work Research

This is recognised as a research training programme for the ESRC 1+3 PhD.
Social Work Research not only concerns the work of social workers but also looks at areas such as programmes for young offenders, community development or interventions to tackle domestic violence. It might focus on the needs of a particular group such as disabled children or people with severe and long term mental illness. It draws on theories and research methods from many of the social sciences, including economics, law and philosophy.

MSc Public Policy

What is public policy? Who are the key actors and what institutions are involved? How is it shaped by, and how does it impact upon, an economic, social and cultural environment which is increasingly 'globalised'? In this innovative and challenging programme, students will explore the changing nature of international public policy.

MSc Disability Studies: inclusive Theory and Practice

This is an exciting opportunity for professionals working in the field of learning disability who want to include people with learning disabilities in their work. The programme is co-tutored by people with learning disabilities, and is an opportunity to carry out academic work in areas related closely to innovative practice.

Graduate programmes

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MPhil/PhD

By joining our diverse and highly-rated research team, you will be part of an exciting environment for graduate studies. We can offer you supervision for full- or part-time study in the areas of social policy, social work, disability studies, or exercise and health, based at one of these research centres

Doctor of Social Science (Policy Studies)

The Doctor of Social Science provides an alternative route to a doctorate for students who wish to develop their careers in the rapidly changing world of professional policymaking. The programme combines coursework and a dissertation, offering a more broadly-based curriculum and a more structured learning environment than the more research-dominated traditional PhD.

Doctor of Educational Psychology (DEdPsy)

The Doctor of Educational Psychology (DEdPsy) is a 3-year full-time programme accredited by the British Psychological Society. It serves as the entry qualification for professional practice and employment in educational psychology. It meets the professional training needs of educational psychologists combined with a rigorous academic and research focus.

Professional programmes

MSc Social Work

The MSc in Social Work entitles students to register and practise as a qualified professional social worker in a range of areas including:

  • Child Protection
  • Fostering and Adoption
  • Community Mental Health
  • Youth Offending
  • Drug and Alcohol Services

PQ Specialist Award programme in Social Work/Professional Practice with Children and Young People

This programme provides part-time continuing professional education for qualified social workers and others working with children and young people, their families and carers. It is now the principal PQ qualification for social workers specialising in work with this client group and is approved by the General Social Care Council (GSCC).

Getting in Touch

School for Policy Studies
8 Priory Road
Bristol, BS8 1TZ

T: +44 (0)117 954 6755
F: +44 (0)117 954 6756
E: sps-enquiries@bristol.ac.uk

 
 
 

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