Department of Social & Policy Sciences undergraduate courses
View the undergraduate courses that are available in the Department of Social & Policy Sciences.
Department of Social & Policy Sciences
One of the UK's leading centres for social sciences, we offer degrees in sociology, social policy, social work, international development and criminology.
Study sociology, social policy, social work, international development and criminology
Find out about our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, funding opportunities and how you can apply.
Department of Social & Policy Sciences taught postgraduate studies
Choose from a range of high-quality postgraduate courses that build on our renowned research activities. We offer MSc and MRes degrees.
Department of Social & Policy Sciences postgraduate research
View our MPhil, PhD and professional doctorate courses in the Department of Social & Policy Sciences.
Discovering a placement, winning an award, and securing a graduate job: Claudia’s story
From not knowing what she wanted to do after her Sociology degree, Claudia is ready for the first step in her career after her College of Policing placement.
A life-changing course: Progressing my career and joining WHO
Louisa Ayebare shares her experiences studying MSc Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development, realising her UN dream and being part of an international cohort.
Mastering my development as a public policy leader: Paul’s story
MSc Public Policy graduate Paul talks about how the course helped him to enhance his skills and progress in his career.
Our research
Our research brings together insights and approaches from social policy, sociology, social work, international development studies and criminology.
“I would discriminate”: study exposes UK employers’ hidden bias against maternity leave
UK employers hold views that disadvantage mothers, with some admitting they’d avoid hiring pregnant women, new University of Bath study finds.
Policy to keep teens in education until 18 has limited impact, study finds
New evidence reveals serious gaps in support for vulnerable young people.
State Pension age rises are forcing later retirements but younger workers are failing to adjust
Older workers are delaying retirement due to rising State Pension age while younger workers are holding onto unrealistic early retirement hopes.
China urged to lead on climate action ahead of China and Global Sustainability Transition conference
University of Bath academic calls on China to seize its unique opportunity to lead on global climate action.
Novo Nordisk found in breach of transparency standards by PMCPA
Pharma watchdog rules Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda manufacturer Novo Nordisk seriously breached transparency rules, sparking calls for urgent reform.
Unconditional documentary
Unconditional tells the story of two inspiring policy experiments that combined universal basic income with community organiser support in India and Bangladesh.
Our Department in the media
Due to their expertise and knowledge, our staff often engage in work with the media.
Prof Kate Woodthorpe on Pick of The World, BBC World Service
Prof Kate Woodthorpe discusses the story of a woman's ashes sent to travel the world, and a rebirth in the way we deal with death.
Dr Neil Howard speaks at Green Man Festival
Dr Neil Howard will deliver a lecture on Universal Basic Income at the sold out Green Man 2025 festival.
USAID: the human cost of Donald Trump’s aid freeze for a war-torn part of Sudan
Dr Naomi Pendle discusses the impact of US aid cuts in Sudan, for The Conversation.
The end of Taylor Swift’s Era’s tour will be a loss for many – here’s how to handle it
Drs Annayah Prosser and Kate Woodthorpe, both Swifties, apply expertise in identity, events and grief to the end of the Eras Tour.
News
Our latest news and updates.
University of Bath to receive £4.35m from Global Talent Fund to attract world-leading researchers
University receives part of £54m Global Talent Fund to help attract and support top international researchers to the UK.
University of Bath Hosts European Expert Network on Terrorism Issues (EENeT) Annual Conference
Over 60 academics, from over 20 European countries came together to discuss challenges in counter-terrorism.
University of Bath launches macabre city walk exploring Bath's hidden histories
A new podcast tour from the Centre for Death and Society explores crime, illness, and Bath's hidden, macabre history.
University of Bath academics on Dispatches highlight Novo Nordisk’s "deep cultural issues"
Academics from the University of Bath have featured in Channel 4’s Dispatches investigation, highlighting concerns about Novo Nordisk’s promotional practices
Dr Diana Teggi wins prestigious British Science Award
The British Science Association has named Dr Diana Teggi as the winner of their British Science Award Lecturer for the Social Sciences.
University of Bath film, ‘Cobalt Rush’, screened at United Nations
Award-winning documentary shown at UN event to expose the ‘invisible’ working conditions in the multi-billion dollar cobalt industry.
Awards and accolades
Our awards, rankings and reputation.
About the Department of Social & Policy Sciences
With a reputation for cutting-edge research and innovative teaching, we focus on international development, social policy and death studies, and offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in sociology, social policy and international development.
Academic staff provide learning experiences including tutorials, debates, seminars, guided reading, online discussion groups, placements and lectures.
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