MSc Policy Research
University of Bristol
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.1) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
2 options available
academic-cap
Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

location-pin
Location

University of Bristol

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

1 year

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

University of Bristol

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

SELECTED

Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

University of Bristol

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

SELECT

Subjects

Select a subject


Exam type

Select a an exam type


Location

Select student location


Domestic
SELECTED

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

OverviewResearchers, research managers, policy advisers and service planners are all faced with a growing need for research that is timely and relevant. This programme develops the skills and capacities needed to undertake high-quality social research that speaks to a wide variety of policy contexts. The programme provides core research training in philosophy and research design in the social sciences, along with introductions to, and further approaches in, quantitative and qualitative methods ...Read more

Overview Researchers, research managers, policy advisers and service planners are all faced with a growing need for research that is timely and relevant. This programme develops the skills and capacities needed to undertake high-quality social research that speaks to a wide variety of policy contexts. The programme provides core research training in philosophy and research design in the social sciences, along with introductions to, and further approaches in, quantitative and qualitative methods in the social sciences. While the programme primarily focuses on 'research methods', it also has a clear focus on social justice and how research can improve policy and the lives of those it impacts. You can choose an optional unit from a range of policy areas such as child and family welfare, gender and violence, health and social care, poverty and social exclusion, and policy-oriented evaluation. The programme also provides the opportunity to further investigate policy areas of interest through the assignments and dissertation. We recognise that many of our students will have relevant experience as researchers, service managers/planners or policy advisers, and there will be space for you to reflect on and share your expertise in these fields. Some units are taught in collaboration with other postgraduate programmes, providing a co-learning environment where you can interact and share insights with students working towards research degrees in social work research and public policy. Students on this programme will benefit from being taught by academics who are leaders in their areas of research. The University of Bristol has been ranked 14th in the world for Social Policy according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
86/101
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
16th
What students say
SR
Student Reviewer
04 Mar 15

4/5. Low number of contact hours. Sports facilities and gym need improving and expanding. Union is good but far away from main precinct. Make use of old habitat building for..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Sociology, Social Care, Social Work, Social Policy, Social Welfare, Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Social Administration, Political Science, Psychology, Economics, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Health, History, Philosophy, Law.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£13,400 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a 8% increase in fees each year.

£26,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a 8% increase in fees each year.

£26,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a 8% increase in fees each year.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Research Methods (Science) reviews

Research Methods (Science)
Research Methods (Science)
SR
Student Reviewer
04 Mar 15
4/5. Low number of contact hours. Sports facilities and gym need improving and expanding. Union is good but far away from main precinct. Make use of old habitat building for...
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How Research Methods (Science) students rated:

Student rating
( 3.5) 2 reviews
5 star
0%
4 stars
50%
3 stars
50%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 1,357 reviews
5 star
31%
4 stars
56%
3 stars
12%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

University of Bristol
Beacon House Queen’s Road Bristol BS8 1QU United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Clifton Down  0.2 miles away
Thinking of studying in Bristol?

Check out our

Bristol city guide

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate