Policy Studies Study Guide 2026/27

What you can study

Our courses introduce you to the theories and practice of key policy areas, and are delivered by a friendly academic community at the forefront of their fields of research. The School also hosts seven interdisciplinary research centres dedicated to a range of key issues, including social justice, health, disability, and gender and violence.

You will find units on:

• childhood and youth studies 
• crime, harm, and justice
• social policy and how societies identify, conceptualise, and respond to 'need'
• global political, economic, and social change

Pre-requisites

At UK universities, students specialise from their first year and rarely take units outside their degree subject. This means that:

• Year 1 units are suitable for all students.
• Year 2 units require some university study in a relevant discipline.
• Year 3 units require a strong background in a relevant discipline.

Subject pathway students

If you have been nominated to Bristol on the Study Abroad (Policy Studies pathway), you must take the majority of your credits from this guide.

Childhood studies Criminology Social & International policy