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.
Events
Details about our Department's upcoming events.
Basic Income in the Global South winter school
4 Nov 2024 10.00am
University of Bath
This three-day event, organised by the UBI Beacon, will explore the multifaceted topic of universal basic income (UBI) in the context of the Global South.
MSc Criminology webinar
4 Feb 2025 11.00am
Online
Join our webinar to find out all you need to know about our MSc in Criminology, and ask any questions you may have.
Our research
Our research brings together insights and approaches from social policy, sociology, social work, international development studies and criminology.
Sustainability Governance of China's Global Infrastructure Investments
Research project awarded to Dr Yixian Sun
Criminologists: Victorian prisons must stay open for now - but a new strategy is needed
Victorian prisons will need to remain in service alongside the development of a clear strategy to define their role, say academics.
NEW RESEARCH: UK Drug Companies Repeatedly Violate their Marketing Code, warns research
New data analysis highlights potential “serious consequences” for patient health and lengthy complaint processing times.
The psychological toll for bereaved families involved in coroners’ inquests - new research
The largest ever study of bereaved people’s experiences of the inquest process in England and Wales has been published by the University of Bath
Dr Kate Woodthorpe and policy engagement
With a focus on end-of-life care, death and dying, and via an IPR sabbatical, Kate's research has generated policy impacts in Government and in Parliament.
Huge delays in dealing with complaints against UK drug companies, investigation finds
The University of Bath and Lund University data analysis reveals huge delays in dealing with complaints against UK drug companies
Our Department in the media
Due to their expertise and knowledge, our staff often engage in work with the media.
Investigate Europe: Drug firms finance Europe’s patient groups with multi-million donations
Dr Piotr Ozieranski comments on a report revealing that European pharmaceutical companies donated over €110 million to patient advocacy groups in 2022
Emotionally challenging research and researcher wellbeing
Writing for THE, Dr Tina Skinner discusses why she started the Researcher Wellbeing Project, which aims to support those doing emotionally challenging research.
The Humberside funeral home incident shows we need a better system for dealing with death
Responding to the shocking Hull Funeral Enquiry, Dr Kate Woodthorpe considers regulation of the sector in her piece for The Conversation.
News
Our latest news and updates.
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.
Six subjects earn top 100 status in latest World University Rankings
Bath is named one of the world’s best places to study subjects including architecture, development studies and business, retaining a top 10 position for sport
University of Bath success with Future Leaders Fellowships
Two researchers at the University of Bath have been awarded prestigious Future Leaders Fellowships from UKRI for developing talented Early Career Researchers.
New exhibition shares art created in UK’s Victorian prisons
Prof Yvonne Jewkes (SPS) has teamed up with colleagues at the University of Birmingham and the Howard League for Penal Reform on the new exhibition.
NEWS: ‘Places to heal, not to harm’: why brutal prison design kills off hope
In this Guardian Long Read, Prof Yvonne Jewkes explores how thoughtful design can create more humane spaces for prisoners, fostering rehabilitation and hope.
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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