Public policy shapes how governments, organisations and communities respond to major challenges from poverty and migration to climate change and economic insecurity. How should policymakers tackle complex global problems? Who makes policy, and how? How are policies designed, implemented and contested across different settings?
We engage with contemporary policy concerns and the complexity of policymaking environments. You will learn to understand, evaluate and develop policy alternatives, while considering the role of government, business, voluntary organisations, and international institutions in shaping policy choices and their impacts. The Policy Analysis Capstone Project (an alternative to a dissertation) supports you in developing practical analytical skills in policy appraisal methods such as cost-benefit analysis, systems mapping, and communicating with policy audiences.
The University of Bristol is a top 10 UK university and is ranked 57th globally. We are 18th in the world for Social Policy and Administration (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2027).
You will typically need a strong second-class honours degree (55% or higher) or an international equivalent in any subject.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant postgraduate qualification/s. Please upload your postgraduate degree documents and include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels .
Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.
Overseas applicants: 12 August 2027. Home applicants: 9 September 2027.
Please note that due to high demand, some programmes may close earlier than advertised. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment. Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from September 2026 until all places are filled.
| QS 综合 | 院校 | 学制 | 学费 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 第 8 位 | 伦敦大学学院University College London | 1年 | 40800英镑/年 |
| 第 35 位 | 爱丁堡大学The University of Edinburgh | 1年 | 33600英镑/年 |
| 第 80 位 | 格拉斯哥大学University of Glasgow | 1年 | 30390英镑/年 |
| 第 85 位 | 杜伦大学Durham University | 1年 | 29750英镑/年 |
| 第 103 位 | 伦敦玛丽女王大学Queen Mary University of London | 1年 | 28950英镑/年 |
| 第 136 位 | 埃克塞特大学University of Exeter | 1年 | 26300英镑/年 |
| 第 149 位 | 纽卡斯尔大学Newcastle University | 1年 | 27450英镑/年 |
| 第 164 位 | 兰卡斯特大学Lancaster University | 1年 | 26100英镑/年 |