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

Watch a video introduction to our new 2 year part-time course in Public Policy.

MSc Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development course video

Dr Jason Hart standing in front of a village in Jordan.

Dr Jason Hart introduces this 2 year part-time, blended-learning course in 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.

Attend a Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences webinar

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Our webinars give you the opportunity to find out more about our courses and to ask questions to teaching and admissions staff.

Our research and people

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

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.

The rise of ‘pauper’s funerals’ is a disgraceful reminder of Britain’s inequalities

Dr Kate Woodthorpe writes for The Independent in response to a report about increasing funeral poverty in the UK.

Carving out new politics of hope for 2019

Dr Ana Dinerstein presents the 'Art of Organising Hope'.

A manifesto for change written by Bath academic Dr Ana Cecilia Dinerstein is inspiring a new generation around the world to think differently about politics.

UK’s new post-Brexit immigration plan is surreal and cynical

Travelers with suitcases walking through the airport

Emma Carmel, from our Department of Social & Policy Sciences, writes about the government's plans for the UK's immigration system.

COP24 climate talks had a ‘people’s voice’, but did anyone listen?

Dr Aurelie Charles writes for The Conversation on the outcomes of the recent international climate change conference in Poland.

Department of Social & Policy Sciences academic staff

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

News

Our latest news and updates.

India Winter School in New Delhi

Group of students and academic staff pose in front of University of Bath banners

University of Bath’s first India Winter School, run by the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, took place at Lady Shri Ram College on 14-21 December 2018.

New research to challenge if prisons can rehabilitate

One of the newest prisons, HMP Berwyn, will be the focus of the new ESRC study.

A new three-year ESRC study, starting today, from Criminology Professor Yvonne Jewkes will focus on the most recently-opened prison, HMP Berwyn in North Wales.

Chief Medical Officer’s report calls for unified approach to revolutionise health by 2040

The annual report from the CMO draws on work from Professor Harry Rutter focusing on the commercial and environmental drivers of ill health.

Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds wins Grierson Award

The team being the programme at the Grierson Awards Ceremony.

The popular Channel 4 series, which features Bath Professor Malcolm Johnson, took home a prestigious Grierson Award at last week’s ceremony.

Gary Goertz joins Bath as Visiting Parkin Professor

This distinguished academic from the University of Notre Dame will be resident in the Department of Social & Policy Sciences from January 2019 until May 2019.

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences researchers make their mark at Festival of Social Science

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science, our research staff ran a series of events to showcase their innovative work around current social issues.

Upcoming events

See our upcoming events.

Safeguarding adults at risk of harm

29 Jan 2019 9.15am Chancellors' Building, 2.6, University of Bath

This event will showcase new research and current practice models and identify potential future research for those with an interest in adult safeguarding.

Human Rights, Humanitarianism & Development in Jordan

29 Jan 2019 6.00pm Amman, Jordan

Attend this inspiring evening of lectures and networking with the University of Bath and CBRL (Council for British Research in the Levant).

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.