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Find out more about studying social and policy sciences at Bath

Watch our taster lecture to find out more about what you could study as a social and policy sciences student at Bath.

Watch the full taster lecture

Watch our taster lecture

How do developments in science and technology impact the world we live in? In this taster lecture, Dr John Troyer reflects on the sociological effects of developments in these areas and the knock-on effects they have on policymaking.

He explores historical events (such as the use of the atomic bomb in WWII), right through to modern-day trends like the growing influence of social media platforms within politics.

This taster lecture is specially designed to help you experience what it’s like to study social and policy sciences with us. You can access the full 15-minute lecture below.

Watch the full taster lecture

Study at a top 10 UK university

We are known for excellence in teaching and research, and for providing outstanding career preparation.

2nd

2nd for Sociology in the Complete University Guide 2025
Top 100

Top 100 in the world for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2024
3rd

3rd for Social Policy in the Complete University Guide 2025
5th

5th for Criminology in The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 10

Top 10 for Career after 15 Months in Sociology and Social Policy in The Guardian University Guide 2025
Top 10

Top 10 in all of the UK's major university league tables *

A social and policy sciences degree to match your ambitions

Our social and policy sciences degrees all aim to prepare you for a range of careers, as well as postgraduate study that could lead to academic research or teaching.

You can choose from:

  • BSc (Hons) Criminology
  • BSc (Hons) International Development with Economics
  • BSc (Hons) Social Policy
  • BSc (Hons) Social Sciences
  • BSc (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy
  • BSc (Hons) Sociology

Boost your experience with a professional placement

All of our social and policy sciences courses are available as a four-year degree with a professional placement.

This opportunity is designed to help you enhance your CV with real-world work experience and gain practical skills that will prepare you for life beyond university.

Find the right social and policy sciences course for you
A student working at a laptop in a classroom with a criminology textbook next to them.

Study in a safe, student-friendly city

Bath is the 2nd safest university town or city in England and Wales (The Complete University Guide (2023)) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its Roman heritage and Georgian architecture.

But there’s much more to Bath than its iconic buildings and history. A vibrant range of shops, bars and restaurants, music venues, museums, and festivals makes it a great place to live as a student.

A well-connected campus

Our campus is on the edge of the city. You can travel between the city and the campus easily by foot, bike, car, or bus. Local transport links mean you’ll be:

  • 80 minutes from London and its international airports
  • 15 minutes from Bristol
  • 2 hours from Birmingham
A group of young people stood looking into the distance in front of some historic Georgian houses.

Watch ‘Studying science and technology in the social sciences’ by Dr John Troyer

Watch the full taster lecture

* The University of Bath ranked 7th in The Guardian University Guide 2025, 8th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, 8th in the Complete University Guide 2025, and 9th in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025.