Course summary
The School for Policy Studies is a world-renowned centre for the theory, practice and implementation of social and public policy research. Our focus is on the determinants of social problems and the responses to them by governments, policy makers and practitioners. We combine innovative conceptual thinking with diverse methodologies to address social problems from the local to the global in relation to poverty, health, care, harm, governance, inequalities, and wellbeing. We embrace a distinctive multidisciplinary approach drawing on expertise in social and public policy, social work, childhood studies, disability studies, criminology, social gerontology, and epidemiology and public health. The school is an exciting environment for graduate studies and we welcome graduate students from the UK and around the world to join our diverse and highly-rated research team. We particularly welcome applications on topics with direct relevance to national and international policy concerns. Possible start dates are September 2026 and January 2027. Please see the programme page on our website for more information.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/phd-social-policy.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree and a merit at MSc/MA level (or equivalent experience/qualification). See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £2553 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2553 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2553 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2553 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £2553 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Sponsorship information
Applicants may apply for an SWDTP studentship (https://www.swdtp.ac.uk/prospective-students-and-fellows/preparing-to-apply/) and/or a University of Bristol scholarship (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts-law-social-sciences/postgraduate-research/bristol-pg-research-scholarships-alss/). Eligible applicants can also apply for a China Scholarship Council scholarship (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/scholarships/china-scholarship-council/). Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU