Global South voices shape climate equity debate at University of Bristol forum
Policy briefing will capture recommendations of the forum’s discussion from Global South voices, on climate justice and transition ahead of key UN climate negotiations.
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Global South voices shape climate equity debate at University of Bristol forum
Policy briefing will capture recommendations of the forum’s discussion from Global South voices, on climate justice and transition ahead of key UN climate negotiations.
Social Policy secures top ten UK subject ranking in latest guide
Social Policy is one of several subjects at the University of Bristol which has been ranked among the top 10 in the UK in the latest Complete University Guide.
New research by Professor Debbie Watson finds free bus travel boosts young people's independence
Free bus travel during the school summer holidays helped children and young people in Bristol travel more independently and spend more time with friends and family, new research led by University of Bristol has found. It also enabled them to take part in activities and access opportunities that may otherwise have been unavailable to them.
New research by Dr Jade Levell reveals a concerning rise in knife-related fatalities
At least two school-aged children die each month from knife injuries in England, with most fatalities resulting from a single stab wound, according to the first national analysis of its kind. The University of Bristol-led research offers critical insights that could help inform future prevention strategies.
Social Policy at Bristol 18th in QS World Subject Rankings 2026
The School for Policy Studies is excited to share the excellent improvement in subject ranking in the QS World University Subject Rankings, moving 15 places up to 18th in the world for Social Policy and Administration.
Partnering with government to embed health in urban decision making
A University of Bristol-led research collaboration is reshaping national policy to help ensure healthy communities sit at the centre of urban development funding decisions.
New award examines the implications of prevention of future deaths reports for learning disabled people
New award from NIHR School for Social Care Research examines the implications of Prevention of Future Deaths (PDF) Reports for social and health care support and services for learning disabled people.
New outreach programme to encourage open conversations about intimacy after female genital cutting
A new community outreach programme to help women and their partners who are managing the consequences of Female Genital Cutting or Circumcision (FGC) is set to launch following a successful pilot.
Epilepsy can lead to earlier deaths in people with intellectual disabilities, study shows
A combination of missed prevention opportunities and health inequalities can result in the early deaths of people living with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities, new research has shown.
Prof Angeliki Papadaki who champions Meals on Wheels services invited to meet Her Majesty the Queen
A University of Bristol academic who has helped champion awareness of Meals on Wheels services through her research was invited to Clarence House this week as part of a reception hosted by Her Majesty the Queen to celebrate Meals on Wheels Week (3 to 7 November).
Social Harm Policy Group secures new funding to address Inequality and drive policy change
The Social Policy Association’s Social Harm Policy Group has secured another two years of renewed funding to continue its influential work addressing the structural causes of social harm, linking inequality, marginalisation, and political change to real-world impacts on communities and policy.
School for Policy Studies postgraduate students honoured with prestigious doctoral prize for outstanding research excellence
Two postgraduate researchers from the University of Bristol’s School for Policy Studies - Dr Lois Peach and Dr Bintu Mansaray - have been awarded the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences 2024/25 Doctoral Prize for outstanding excellence in a doctoral dissertation.
Book by SPS academic receives top award from the British Academy
Congratulations to Dr Lucy Series, from the School for Policy Studies, whose book has been awarded the 2025 Peter Townsend Prize by the British Academy.
International partnership unveils key insights into early childhood education across Namibia
A three-year collaboration between the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the University of Bristol, funded by the Perivoli Foundation through the Perivoli Africa Research Centre (PARC), has just concluded a study on early childhood education in Namibia.
Social Policy ranked 4th in The Times Good University Guide
Social Policy at Bristol has been ranked 4th in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
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SPS academic’s new book wins prestigious human rights award
Congratulations to Dr Sandhya Fuchs from the School for Policy Studies (SPS) whose new book has won the 2025 James Busuttil Medal and Prize for human rights scholarship from the Royal Asiatic Society.
Dr Oliver Russell, 1936-2025
Dr Oliver Russell, co-founder and first director of the University’s famous Norah Fry Research Centre (now the Norah Fry Centre for Disability Studies in the School for Policy Studies), died on 25 July. His colleagues offer a remembrance.
SPS hosts pioneering research funded by Defra to help tackle violence against women and girls
A new research programme has been launched to explore the interconnection between the use and abuse of animals by domestic abuse perpetrators and domestic abuse-related homicide-suicide.
Celebration for Class of 2025 graduates
We were delighted to celebrate with graduates from the Class of 2025 at an informal event in Priory Road Gardens after the formal graduation in the Wills Memorial Building.
Experts come together in Bristol for first International Child and Family Conference
Research and policy specialists in child and family life were welcomed to Bristol in June for the inaugural International Child and Family Conference.
Article wins prestigious Social Work award
Congratulations to Beth Tarleton, a senior lecturer in the School for Policy Studies, who was part of the research team which scooped the 2024 Kay McDougall British Journal of Social Work Prize for best article.
Social Policy ranked 3rd in the UK
Social Policy at Bristol has been ranked 3rd in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2026.
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Bristol hosts first international child and family conference
Renowned experts in childhood and family life will be in Bristol in June for the inaugural International Child and Family Conference.
Congratulations to Dr Angeliki Papadaki on becoming a University Enterprise Fellow
We are delighted to announce that Dr Papadaki from the School for Policy Studies has been named as one of the University’s 2025-2026 Enterprise Fellows.
Young people turn school uniform into compelling anti-knife crime art
More than 100 school shirts emblazoned with compelling messages capturing children and young people’s feelings about knife crime are set to be publicly exhibited.
Professor Geraldine Macdonald becomes Academy of Social Sciences Fellow
We are delighted to announce that Professor Geraldine Macdonald, Professor of Social Work from the School for Policy Studies, has been named as one of the new cohort of outstanding social scientists to join the Academy of Social Sciences.
Prof Nicola Dandridge leads study on what university students think about their higher education choices
New research reveals undergraduates and graduates overwhelmingly believe in the importance of getting a degree, but a high proportion think with the benefit of hindsight they would have made a different decision about what or where to study.
Professor Geraldine Macdonald awarded Senior Investigator status by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Congratulations to Professor Geraldine Macdonald, Professor of Social Work in the School for Policy Studies, who has been appointed as a new NIHR Senior Investigator.
Key network to ensure rights for parents with learning disabilities & learning difficulties is moving to a new home
Vital service that supports professionals working with parents with learning disabilities/difficulties is moving from the University of Bristol to Research in Practice
‘Nothing is impossible’ says Somali refugee who juggled Uber driving and studies to fulfil graduation dream in tribute to late brother
When Abdullahi Abdi threw his mortarboard in the air on graduating and looked skyward, his sense of elation was overshadowed by huge sorrow.
Congratulations to our Class of 2024
We were delighted to celebrate with graduates from the Class of 2024 at an event St George's after the formal graduation in the Wills Memorial Building.
Statement on the abduction of alumnus Jesús Armas
The University of Bristol is calling for the release of alumnus Jesús Armas, a human rights activist who has been detained against his will in Venezuela.
Childhood Studies alumna Dez Holmes awarded MBE
Congratulations to Dez Holmes who has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list for services to improving social care practice.
The preventable murder of Sara Sharif
Professor Aisha K Gill speaks about the horrifying murder of Sara Sharif and what can be done to help prevent anything like this happening again.
School for Policy Studies retains core membership of NIHR School for Social Care Research and successfully secures fourth phase of funding
The University of Bristol is one of the six leading academic centres demonstrating excellence in social care research that make up the membership of the School for Social Care in this next phase
Pioneering research reveals growing dangers and repression of climate activism globally
A new report has uncovered the many risks of participating in climate and environmental protests across the world – and how more countries are criminalising and repressing this activity in a bid to keep it in check.
New report suggests trust still broken in policing violence against women
The report has revealed that trust remains a key issue in the policing of violence against women and girls in Black and minoritised communities – and this type of crime is much less likely to result in an offender being charged compared to other offences.
New research shows impact of migration on home ownership
Findings from a first-of-its-kind study into migration and housing tenure indicate that settlers into a new country are the group least likely to have a home of their own.
Launch of first-ever UK-wide Meals on Wheels map
Researchers from the School for Policy Studies have this week launched a groundbreaking online tool designed to help connect individuals across the UK with vital Meals on Wheels services.
Sarah Ayres announced as Chair of the Regional Studies Association
School for Policy Studies Professor, Sarah Ayres, takes up leadership role at the RSA as the Association marks its 60th anniversary
New programme, MSc Global Health Policy, launched at the School for Policy Studies
We are delighted to announce the launch of this new interdisciplinary social sciences programme, for entry in September 2025. The programme is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed for real-world global health influence.
Religious arbitration of marriages involving domestic abuse
Dr Natasha Mulvihill and Dr Nadia Aghtaie host a symposium exploring the religious arbitration of marriages involving domestic abuse.
Policy Studies’ academic receives prestigious international research award
Dr Bai Li has been honoured with the Sedentary Behaviour Research Network (SRBN) Practice Leadership Award for her work on sedentary behaviour amongst children and adolescents.
Celebration for Class of 2024 graduates
We were delighted to celebrate with graduates from the Class of 2024 at an informal event Priory Road Gardens after the formal graduation in the Wills Memorial Building.
Research to help tackle knife crime in Bristol makes headway
Researchers at the University of Bristol are joining forces with Bristol City Council and other partners in a bid to help reduce knife crime locally and beyond.
Ultra-processed food makes up almost two-thirds of calorie intake of UK adolescents
Adolescents consume around two-thirds of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs) new research from the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge has found.
Comparing COVID-19 experiences in prisons to inform future pandemic preparedness
SPS lecturer, Dr Nasrul Ismail, awarded a new British Academy Grant to lead an international research team comparing COVID-19 experiences in Southeast Asian prisons to enhance future pandemic preparedness.
New citation metrics for Policy & Politics
We’re delighted to announce that Policy & Politics (P&P) has achieved an impressive result in the 2024 Journal Citation Reports with a 2-year Impact Factor of 4.3.
New PhD to investigate mental health benefits of surfing
A new University of Bristol PhD will study the relationship between surfing and mental wellbeing, after a new report found the sport boosts physical and mental health.
SPS academics nominated for Inspiring and Innovative teaching
Julian Molina and Francisco Palma Carvajal were both nominated for the Inspiring and Innovative Teaching Award for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law. Julian won the award at yesterday's BILT Teaching Awards Celebration Event.
Celebrating 20 years of our Masters in Public Policy (MPP)
We were delighted to be able to mark 20 years of our Masters in Public Policy programme with a celebration event last week (May 30th).
New Report - Homes for all. Convening a coalition for change.
SPS Professor Alex Marsh among collaborators delivering new report offering a distinctive intervention in the housing policy debate
Bristol expert backs bold national bid to save a million children in the UK from poverty
An ambitious campaign to lift one million children from relative poverty in the UK was launched today – and leading child poverty researcher Professor David Gordon is among the top experts showing his support.
Report warns that performing arts under threat from future global shocks unless lessons are learned from pandemic
Live performing arts are facing an existential threat from a range of potential global shocks unless there is significant and sustained investment in resilience planning.
Prof David Abbott appointed Senior Investigator by National Institute of Health and Care Research
School for Policy Studies academic has been awarded Senior Investigator status by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Social worker inspired into profession by ‘larger than life’ late father-in-law
A newly-qualified social worker is now helping vulnerable children thanks to her “inspirational” father-in-law, who taught thousands of social workers before his tragic death aged 55.
Professor Sarah Ayres elected as a Fellow of The Academy of Social Sciences
Elected for their substantial contributions to social science, this spring’s cohort of Fellows includes Sarah Ayres, Professor of Public Policy and Governance at the School for Policy Studies.
SPS looking to appoint to posts in Social Care, Public Policy and Criminology
Successful candidates will join an ambitious and collegial School that pushes forward intellectual debates and real-world solutions to a range of policy and social dilemmas within an interdisciplinary environment.
Congratulations to our Class of 2023
We were delighted to celebrate with graduates from the Class of 2023 School for Policy Studies St George's graduation event on 23rd February.
World Day of Social Justice - Centre for Poverty and Social Justice declaration
The Centre for Poverty and Social Justice Research (CPSJ) releases a statement for World Social Justice Day
International Scholarships
The School for Policy Studies offers a range of different funding sources available to apply for. These include doctoral training pathways and University-funded scholarships.
SPS academics found new ‘Social Harm’ group at the Social Policy Association
Following the call circulated earlier this summer, the Social Policy Association (SPA) has announced that four new Social Policy Groups have been approved. One of these groups, ‘Social Harm’, will be led by joint team leaders Nasrul Ismail and Christina Pantazis from the School for Policy Studies.
SPS student appointed to Government committee overseeing criminal court proceedings
Becky White, a PhD student from the School for Policy Studies, has been appointed to serve on the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee.
Older people are missing out on valuable social work – new report
New research has revealed how ageism, lack of investment and pressured services are undermining the potential for older people to access valuable social workers when they need them most.
New research shows the use of 'chemical control' within abusive relationships
Research by academics from the University of Bristol has highlighted how perpetrators of domestic abuse may use prescribed medication/treatment as a form of coercion and control.
SPS professor elected Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke has been elected fellow of The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (UNESCO-TWAS) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to science and its promotion in the developing world.
Global coalition call to end child poverty
How can we advance global goals amidst inward crisis?
SPS Professor one of leading social scientists elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences
Professor David Abbott welcomed to the Academy's Fellowship this autumn
New research highlights and addresses public health gaps in the ‘levelling up’ agenda
The UK government's levelling up agenda is set to fail in its mission to address inequalities unless it tackles the root causes of poor health, according to a new study.
Graduation joy for amazing student who went to 11 schools
‘I kept stumbling until I landed. It’s been the most ridiculous crazy journey’
New survey reveals British public generally think disruptive, non-violent protesters should not be imprisoned
In the wake of UK government plans to grant new North Sea oil and gas licences, a survey has shown the vast majority of the British public consider climate change and the environment to be key issues. But most people frown upon the Just Stop Oil campaign group, according to the poll.
‘Inspiring’ human rights activist receives honorary degree for lifetime fighting inequality
A charity leader who has dedicated her life to ending inequality today received an honorary degree from her old university.
Postgraduate symposium
PGR students from the School for Policy Studies had a chance to showcase their work, talk about the wellbeing challenges of doing a PhD, think about how to communicate with policy makers and get career advice at the yearly PGR symposium this week.
Innovative national initiative helps migrant entrepreneurs blossom in business
Business is blooming for hundreds of entrepreneurs thanks to a unique project committed to boosting the prospects of migrants and refugees in the UK.
Celebration event for Professor Marianne Hester
Professor Marianne Hester OBE FAcSS set to retire but will continue leading new research and editing journal at Bristol.
Substituted Parenting: What does this mean for parents with learning disabilities in the family court context?
Research finds that “too much” support for parents with learning disabilities is considered harmful for the children
Pioneering research exposing scale and danger of forced marriages calls for urgent reform to protect victims
A study published today has revealed for the first time that the crime of forced marriage remains rife in England and Wales.
Report reveals people with physical disabilities and health conditions are at greater risk of homelessness
A new national report has exposed for the first time how people with a disability or experiencing ill health are significantly more likely to find themselves homeless.
Pandemic Preparedness in the Live Performing Arts: Lessons to Learn from COVID-19
New grant to examine the lessons learned from how governmental, charity, and informal support for organisations and workers in the performing arts across the G7 impacted the workforce, the type of outputs produced, and the resilience of the industry.
First national report on discharge of care orders
The first national report on the discharge of care orders for children in England and Wales has been published today.
Study shows children’s inactivity remains an issue in wake of pandemic
New research has revealed children’s physical activity in the UK has largely returned to pre-pandemic levels – but children are still more sedentary during the week.
Bristol International Research Collaboration Activities (BIRCA) - Decolonising the Hegemonic Narrative on ‘Female Genital Mutilation’, 8-22 April 2023
The School for Policy Studies has played host to a visiting scholar from the Univeristy of Cape Coast, Ghana through the BIRCA scheme with a series of events and activities on the topic of, Decolonising the Hegemonic Narrative on ‘Female Genital Mutilation’
Social Policy at Bristol ranked 14th in the world
Social Policy programmes at the School for Policy Studies are among the very best in the world, according to the latest global rankings.
School for Policy Studies student rides wave of academic success with study showing surfing boosts mental health
Pioneering research showing the mental health benefits of surfing by a School for Policy Studies student has led to an exciting partnership with The Wave to expand the study.
Congratulations to our Class of 2022
We were delighted to celebrate with graduates from the Class of 2022 at two informal School for Policy Studies graduation events at Goldney House on 15th February.
From anxiety spiral to wellbeing influencer: Graduate praises University's mental health services
A 24-year-old who spent years hiding his struggling mental health behind drink and drugs is now reaching millions of people as a wellbeing influencer.
Study finds migrants who settled in another country were significantly poorer than non-leavers
Research has revealed new information about the economic benefits for international migrants and their descendants of settling in another country as opposed to staying in their country of origin or returning to it.
World nutrition experts and policy makers attend international forum led by Bristol academic
Senior Ministry of Health officials and representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF from 10 countries attended the China-Southeast Asia Systemic Nutrition Intervention Technical Forum on 8th December.
New report on experiences of separating families
A new report by researchers from the School for Policy Studies and University of Bristol Law School looks at parents' and children's experiences of parental separation.