BSc Social Policy and Politics
About this course
BSc in Social Policy and Politics, a social policy and politics and international relations degree focused on wellbeing, power dynamics, and the organisation of society. The first year introduces foundational theoretical approaches to politics alongside key historical and comparative concepts within social policy. Students progress to explore specific disciplinary fields and contemporary issues through a range of optional units in subsequent years.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB including an essay-based subject. Essay-based subjects include: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art and Design (all pathways); Business Studies; Chinese; Classical Civilisation; Classics; Drama; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Film; French; Geography; German; Government and Politics; Greek; Health and Social Care; History; History of Art; Italian; Latin; Law; Media Studies; Music; Performance; Philosophy; Politics; Portuguese; Psychology; Religious Studies; Russian; Social Care; Social Policy; Sociology; Spanish; Theatre Studies and Welsh. IB: 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in an essay-based subject. Essay-based subjects include: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art and Design (all pathways); Business Studies; Chinese; Classical Civilisation; Classics; Drama; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Film; French; Geography; German; Government and Politics; Greek; Health and Social Care; History; History of Art; Italian; Latin; Law; Media Studies; Music; Performance; Philosophy; Politics; Portuguese; Psychology; Religious Studies; Russian; Social Care; Social Policy; Sociology; Spanish; Theatre Studies and Welsh. BTEC: DDD in any essay-based Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 55%: 30 offers from 55 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 21 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 80%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Finance Professionals: 5%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 40%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 150 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 61%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 12%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Social Policy and Politics at University of Bristol earn?
The median salary is £29,500 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £40,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,000 and £56,500. The £40,000 median after five years is £12,500 more than the UK median for Social policy.
What do graduates of BSc Social Policy and Politics at University of Bristol do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Social Policy and Politics at University of Bristol?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Social Policy and Politics at University of Bristol?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 148 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Social Policy and Politics at University of Bristol?
55% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 30 offers from 55 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
How many students continue on BSc Social Policy and Politics at University of Bristol?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.