This course combines social policy and its focus on wellbeing with politics and its consideration of power – who exercises it and for whom. Politics drives us to think about how society should be organised and how communities and states interact. This prompts consideration of how wellbeing is unevenly distributed in contemporary societies and the forms of social organisation necessary to enhance our lives.

Both departments encourage strong synergy between research and teaching, resulting in a vibrant learning environment as staff respond in their teaching to new research.

In the politics part of your course, you will study the politics of countries and governments and the relationships between countries, communities and individuals. Politics at Bristol is organised around three themes: political theory, comparative and national politics, and international relations.

In your social policy studies, the first year introduces key skills and concepts within social policy so that you can familiarise yourself with theoretical, comparative and historical analyses. Years two and three allow you to explore your interests in greater depth through a range of optional units.

You will also have the opportunity to spend half a year studying abroad at a partner university. Visit Global Opportunities to find out more about where you can study abroad.