MSc Policy Research

at University of Bristol

Year 1 

The programme can also be studied on a part-time basis over 2-5 years.

The programme leads to one of two awards and is organised so that a student entering with the intention of studying for the PG diploma has the opportunity to progress to the MSc, provided they have achieved a pass mark of 50% in all coursework and have the requisite credit points.

The programme is delivered through a combination of intensive block teaching and weekly delivery so as to be most accessible to postgraduate students, busy policy professionals and practitioners. The delivery of units on the programme is designed to allow students to accumulate credits flexibly and organise the patterns of attendance to suit their own needs and circumstances.

Unit name
 

• Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences (SPS)
• Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences (SPS)
• Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences (SPS)
• Policy Research Dissertation

Students select 20 credit points from the following:
 

• Further Quantitative Methods
• Further Qualitative Methods
   

Students select 40 credit points from the following:

SPOLM0016/SPOLM0017 can only be taken as an optional unit if not already taken as a mandatory unit.
 

• Further Quantitative Methods
• Further Qualitative Methods
• Digital Public Services
• Researching Child and Family Welfare
• Inclusive Research with Disabled People
• The Economics of Public Policy
• Supervised Independent Study
• Disabled Childhoods
• Health and Health Care in a Global Context
• The International Analysis of Poverty and Social Exclusion
• Gender and Violence: International and Global Perspectives
• Migration, asylum and human rights: EU and global policy perspectives.
• Policy Analysis
• Corruption and Public Policy
• Public policy for a complex and uncertain world
• Public Management and Organisations
   

To be considered for admission to a master's degree programme at the University of Bristol, the minimum requirement for entry is an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree that is equivalent to a UK upper second-class degree (also known as a 2:1).
 

• We understand that the majority of candidates from India have been taught in English throughout their education. Many departments will accept CBSE or CISCE English at 80% or above in lieu of another English test, with an MOI letter confirming that English is the teaching language of your institution.
• The majority of our master’s programmes require a first class degree (60% or higher) from a recognised Indian university, with specific grades depending on the institution. Competitive programmes may require first class with distinction. If you would like advice relating to your specific qualification, 
• We are aware that at many of India's elite higher education colleges it is very rare to be awarded a first class. For this reason, a number of our departments may be willing to consider candidates from top colleges who have achieved 55% or above.
• Applicants wishing to be considered for research study at Bristol should have a first class pass in their Indian bachelor’s degree and some research experience. It may also be advantageous to have completed a master’s degree with research elements.
   

An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant social sciences discipline, such as sociology, social work, social policy, social welfare, public administration, social administration, psychology, economics, political science, business administration and management, history, philosophy and law. Other qualifications (including those awarded by professional bodies) and relevant professional experience will also be considered.
 

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:

Admissions statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

UK: full-time £9,600

Overseas: full-time £20,800

The MSc in Policy Research stresses the development of policy research and analysis methods, as well as substantive knowledge. Graduates from our MSc Policy Research can go on to work as policy researchers and analysts, or research commissioners/managers in public or private agencies, both in the UK and internationally.

Potential employers include local or central government departments, voluntary or charitable organisations, national or international non-governmental organisations, or global institutions such as the United Nations.

Alternatively, our MSc provides students with the core training to further their career in academic research with a PhD in Social Policy.