Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, School for Policy Studies and Department of Politics. This Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree combines the study of social policy and its focus on wellbeing with politics and its consideration of power – who exercises it and for whom. You will explore how society should be organised and how communities and states interact, prompting consideration of how wellbeing is unevenly distributed and the forms of social organisation necessary to enhance lives. The politics modules cover political theory, comparative and national politics, and international relations. The social policy component introduces key concepts, theories, and historical and comparative analyses of social issues. The course is designed to provide you with a critical understanding of both subjects, developing strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills applicable to understanding and addressing societal challenges.

Graduates are highly sought after across diverse sectors due to their strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills. Potential career paths include: Civil Service (e.g., policy officer, Fast Stream), Local Government, Parliament or Political Parties (e.g., researcher, assistant), Social Research, Policy Analyst, Public Affairs Consultant, Political Risk Analyst, Charity and NGO work (e.g., advocacy, community development, international development), Journalism, Think Tanks, Health and Social Care management, Education, Public Relations, Human Resources. This degree provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate study in social policy, politics, public administration, international relations, or related social sciences.

The University of Bristol is a member of the UK's prestigious Russell Group, signifying its commitment to world-class research and teaching. It has a great reputation with employers in the UK, indicating strong graduate employability. The School for Policy Studies is highly ranked, with 98% of its research classed as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (REF 2021). Bristol is southwest England's largest city and is known as a tech and startup hub, offering a vibrant and dynamic environment for students and professionals. The program offers opportunities for an optional work placement, giving students real-world experience, and allows for specialization through a variety of optional units.