BSc International Social and Public Policy

The BSc International Social and Public Policy programme is a multi-disciplinary, international degree that integrates the analysis of government policy with the understanding of broader global political, economic and social change.

International Social and Public Policy courses at Bristol

As an undergraduate student at the University of Bristol you can choose to study international social and public policy as a three-year degree or as a four-year degree with a year spent studying at a university abroad.

Why study International Social and Public Policy at Bristol?

In an increasingly turbulent and fragmented world, engagement with and a deeper understanding of the dynamics of social and public policies and the ways in which contemporary social, political and economic issues are shaped and responded to, has never been more important.
 
The International Social and Public Policy degree at Bristol aims to explore, analyse and critically assess contemporary social and public policy issues in and across societies, in different parts of the world. This allows students the opportunity to gain major insights into the role of public policy, policy actors and institutions and an understanding of the development and implementation of policy measures designed to influence the social circumstances of individuals and groups across societies. 
 

The BSc International Social and Public Policy is located within the School for Policy Studies, which provides a supportive environment for students to flourish as independent, active learners. You will be taught by enthusiastic lecturers who are passionate about their subjects and who use their research to inform their teaching, ensuring that you acquire relevant and up-to-date knowledge.

The Social Policy undergraduate programme in the School for Policy Studies is highly rated in the university league tables. The quality of the teaching is related to the research strengths of the school; your lecturers will be leading researchers in their field including migration, poverty and inequality, cities and urban sustainability, violence and conflict.

What kind of student would this course suit?

The inter and multi-disciplinary nature of our International Social and Public Policy course means that it is ideal for students who want to develop a broad and holistic understanding of social and public policy in a global and comparative context. 
 

It would suit anyone who has interest in understanding the dynamics and nature of global social issues, how they manifest in different parts of the world and the policy responses to them. The course will also appeal to International students or those interested in following a career abroad.

What are my career prospects?

When it comes to choosing a career, International Social and Public Policy graduates will be equipped with the expertise, knowledge and skills to enhance their employment opportunities. They will be well prepared for careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors and in environments that require global and international insights and interpretations on policy issues, developments and solutions in the context of social, political, economic and geographical change.
 
This degree will appeal to students interested in following a career in policy-making at both a local and national level, the Civil Service, community engagement work, Corporate Social Responsibility, the Foreign Office, international NGOs and development work.