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Choosing your undergraduate social and policy sciences course at Bath

We offer a range of degrees that cover the major areas of social science, such as criminology, development studies, social and public policy, and sociology.

A social and policy sciences degree to match your ambitions

Compare our courses and find out what makes each one unique. They all aim to prepare you for a range of careers, as well as postgraduate study that could lead to academic research or teaching.


BSc (Hons) Criminology

  • Explore crime justice and punishment from a global perspective
  • Deepen your knowledge of topics like human rights and terrorism, social justice, and the globalisation of crime.
  • Future career opportunities include: criminal justice, government and public sector, third sector organisations, business-related roles, and consultancies

BSc (Hons) International Development with Economics

  • Become a social scientist equipped with key economic knowledge
  • Learn about some of the most urgent challenges facing our changing world - poverty, inequality, climate change, conflict and migration – with the overall aim of improving people’s lives
  • Future career opportunities include: United Nations agencies, inter-governmental agencies, international consulting firms, and NGOs or INGOs

Social and policy sciences suite

Our suite of social and policy sciences courses are closely related and prepare you for careers in environments like government and public sector, the third sector, business-related roles, consultancies, journalism, accountancy, marketing, and human resources.

Although they are similar, each course covers different topics to develop your skills and tailor your studies around the areas of social and policy science that interest you the most.

BSc (Hons) Social Policy

  • Analyse how social policy impacts political organisations, social justice and human rights, and influence people’s sense of identity
  • Further your understanding of contemporary social welfare issues at local, national and international levels

BSc (Hons) Social Sciences

  • Immerse yourself in the study of contemporary issues within social change and justice
  • Learn about a range of topics within sociology, international development, social policy and criminology to become a rounded social scientist

BSc (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy

  • Combine the study of sociology with rigorous analysis of how and why policies are developed to respond to social problems
  • Boost your knowledge of key topics like health, welfare and poverty, race and discrimination, inequality and exclusion

BSc (Hons) Sociology

  • Investigate the processes that shape people’s lives and the social structures that exist around us
  • Critically analyse the foundations of modern society and explore how we can positively change it, from both a British and global perspective

BSc (Hons) Social Work and Applied Social Studies

  • Gain the skills and experience needed to register as a professionally qualified social worker on this Social Work England (SWE)-approved course
  • Receive comprehensive training developed around SWE's Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and Professional Standards, and gain experience during real-world practice placements
  • Typical future career sectors for professionally qualified social workers include: health and social care settings; adult safeguarding and child protection; adoption, forensic, mental health, palliative care, or psychosocial social work; drug and alcohol recovery services; education

Why pick Bath for social and policy sciences?

We are known for excellence in teaching and research, and outstanding graduate prospects. Our degrees are designed to give you the skills that can open up a wide range of career opportunities.


Boost your experience with a placement


Our social and policy sciences degrees give you the opportunity to go on a placement 1.

Placements are your chance to work within a real-world business or organisation and use the skills you'll gain during your studies in practical settings.

They allow you to try a career path you're interested in and enhance your employability. Employers often value placements, so you could give yourself an advantage in the job market.

You’ll develop skills in areas like planning, problem-solving, decision making and project management. Sometimes you can gain professional qualifications during placements.

If you choose to do a placement, you’ll receive dedicated support from our placements team 2.

Why doing a placement may give you an advantage

Study in a safe, student-friendly city


Our campus is situated just on the edge of what is affectionately known as one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. Bath is also the 2nd safest university town or city in England and Wales.

You’ll be surrounded by beautiful Georgian buildings and Roman history, as well as a thriving café culture with plenty of restaurants. There's also a great range of shops, music venues, museums, and a huge number of festivals planned throughout the year.

Most of Bath's key locations are in walking distance of the city centre. 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
Find out more about student life in Bath
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More information on a range of topics about studying at Bath.


Contact us

If you have any questions about studying at Bath, please contact us.


  1. BSc (Hons) Social Work and Applied Social Studies contains two compulsory placements - these take place during Year 2 and Year 3. All of our other social and policy sciences degrees offer a 4-year option that includes a professional placement in Year 3. 

  2. Placement opportunities can’t be guaranteed - it is the student's responsibility to secure a placement. However, you will receive tailored support from our dedicated placement team and benefit from our established relationships with placement providers (some of which work exclusively with the University of Bath to offer placements).