Public Policy
- PhD
Overview
The PhD in Public Policy at the School for Policy Studies is a research programme designed to develop advanced analytical, methodological, and theoretical expertise for addressing complex policy challenges in a rapidly changing world. Located in the School for Policy Studies, candidates will join a community engaged in world-leading scholarship on policy processes, politics, governance and social justice.
The programme provides a nurturing environment in which doctoral candidates undertake original research across key areas including policy analysis, design and implementation. Drawing on the School's multidisciplinary character, candidates will be supported in undertaking projects focused on global governance, comparative public policy, public management, and political economy. Students may also specialise in thematic fields such as health, housing, welfare, climate, migration, criminal justice, development and economic policy, aligning their research projects with both academic interests and real-world priorities.
Candidates receive comprehensive training in research methods, equipping them to design robust studies and critically evaluate policy outcomes across diverse contexts. Doctoral researchers benefit from expert supervision from specialists in their field of interest and access to the School's strong links across the University. The School hosts the academic journal, Policy and Politics, and takes a leading editorial role in Bristol University Press. Candidates will benefit from their membership of the Governance and Public Policy Research Centre, SPS's research groups and our close links to the Cabot Institute for the Environment and the Bristol Digital Futures Institute, amongst others. Candidates will also benefit through the School's strong links to PolicyBristol and activities related to bridging research and policy. Through seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, students develop the skills needed to produce impactful, policy-relevant research.
Graduates of the programme are well prepared for careers in academia, government, international organisations, and the wider policy sector. The programme sits within the School for Policy Studies, which is internationally renowned for its research excellence, interdisciplinary approach, and strong engagement with policy and practice.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree and a merit at MSc/MA level (or equivalent experience/qualification).
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £5,343 per year
- Home: part-time
- £2,672 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £22,500 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Applicants may apply for a University of Bristol scholarship. Eligible applicants can apply for a China Scholarship Council scholarship. Applicants who intend to apply for an SWDTP studentship should apply for an alternative PhD programme. Programme application deadlines for University of Bristol and China Scholarship Council (CSC) applicants will be published in early autumn 2026.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Studying public policy equips students with a wide range of knowledge and skills across various interests and fields. As a result, studying public policy and developing skills in analysis and research is relevant to work in many different policy settings and subject areas.
Previous University of Bristol policy studies students have gone on to work in research and teaching in higher education, policy-related fields, local and central government, other public sector bodies, international and third sector organisations. Careers have included those related to health and welfare, community work, the criminal justice system, higher education, management and consultancy.
Meet our supervisors
The following list shows potential supervisors for this programme. Visit their profiles for details of their research and expertise.
Research groups
The pathway integrates the study of the interaction between three important lifestyle behaviours (nutrition, physical activity and substance use, including smoking and alcohol consumption), their impact on public health and risks for chronic diseases.
For further information on our associated research groups and staff, please visit the School for Policy Studies webpage.
Contact us
- Contact
- Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
- uob-pgradmissions@bristol.ac.uk
- Schools