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 undergraduate courses

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View the undergraduate courses that are available in the Department of Social & Policy Sciences.

Department of Social & Policy Sciences postgraduate studies

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Choose from a range of high-quality postgraduate courses that build on our renowned research activities.

MSc Public Policy course video

Students on MSc Public Policy reflect upon their experience on this part-time, distance learning degree.

MSc Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development course video

Hear students share what they value most about studying MSc Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development.

5 reasons to study social sciences at Bath

There are lots of reasons to study social sciences at Bath. Here's our top 5.

Our research and people

Our research brings together insights and approaches from social policy, sociology, social work, international development studies and criminology.

Social work project focuses on impact of shift away from orphanages for children in Thailand

Funding for Bath's Dr Justin Rogers (Department of Social & Policy Sciences) will enable new research into alternative care provision for children in Thailand.

Digital-era government and public participation: The case of virtual courts

A graphic of a computer screen showing a court building.

Blog: Dr Sarah Moore discusses digital-era government, ongoing court closures, and the potential impact of 'virtual courts' on citizens and public services.

Access to contraception not ‘silver bullet’ to stem population growth in Africa

Mother and baby in Bissau, Guinea Bissau.

A new study challenges the misconception that rising population growth in Africa is caused solely by inadequate family planning.

Social policy, sociology and international development research

Our research contributes to policy and practice. We are focussed on new and emerging challenges of the contemporary world.

I’m a psychotherapist, here’s what I’ve learned from listening to children talk about climate change

Father and daughters looking out on icebergs in the water at Jokulsarlon Lagoon

Caroline Hickman of the Department of Social & Policy Sciences and Climate Psychology Alliance Climate writes for The Conversation.

Department of Social & Policy Sciences academic staff

We oversee and deliver the Department’s teaching and research activities.

News

Our latest news and updates.

Leading thinkers to address alternative futures at policy event

This week's IPR Symposium 'This is Tomorrow' will discuss how policymakers are responding to major challenges from climate change to welfare reform.

International conference on death, dying and disposal comes to Bath

Re-imaging future cemeteries, including ones locally here like Arnos Vale, will be discussed at this year’s Death, Dying and Disposal Conference. Image: ‘Sylvan Constellation’; Credit: Death Lab.

Over 250 academics, policy-makers and practitioners will come together in early September for the 14th International Conference.

University film premiered at the UN in New York

Roy and Simon in front of the UN’s famous HQ in Manhattan

The award-winning ‘Voices from the Mine’ from Roy Maconachie and Simon Wharf was showcased to policymakers at the UN HQ last week.

Bath to play key role in tackling environmental factors of ill health

Researchers at the University will play a key role in UK public health, tackling the rise in conditions such as heart disease and poor mental health.

Innovative project shares lessons in social work between UK and Africa

The GCRF partnership involves Dr Louise Brown from Bath's Department of Social & Policy Sciences with international parters in South Africa and Tanzania.

The GCRF project, led by Dr Louise Brown, focuses on how social work interventions from the UK could translate to low and middle income countries.

Awards and accolades

Our awards, rankings and reputation.

Top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019 for Social Policy & Administration

Awarded Gold for excellence in undergraduate teaching

Upcoming events

See our upcoming events.

The Fourth MENA Social Policy Network Conference

30 Oct 2019 6.30am AUC Avenue, Cairo

This is the fourth edition of the bi-annual conference of the MENA Social Policy network, taking place at the American University in Cairo (Egypt).

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.