Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Social Policy

at University of Bath United Kingdom

Apply the full breadth of physics to a wide range of astrophysical phenomena from star formation to black hole growth and the expansion of the Universe.

Physics with Astrophysics at Bath will give you a strong grounding in physics, along with in-depth specialist knowledge of astrophysics. You’ll learn how to combine evidence from stellar and extragalactic astronomy to build consistent theoretical models of the evolution of galaxies.

Topics covered include exoplanets, galaxies, cosmology, stars and stellar evolution, general relativity and high energy astrophysics. There'll also be opportunities for you to carry out both observational and computational astrophysics projects alongside our astrophysics research group.

Develop practical and technical skills to design and engineer the built environment. Use integrated and creative solutions to engineer a sustainable future.

Our course is for students who want to ask difficult questions about the future of civil engineering. You’ll push the boundaries of design and construction to generate new ideas for our infrastructure and cities. Your knowledge will enable you to integrate energy, sustainability and environmental design.

In your first two years, you will learn the foundations of materials, geotechnics, structures and digital design. You will develop the fundamental engineering design skills and attributes, including ingenuity and communication skills, that are essential for exploring aspects of infrastructure and the built environment in later years.

Our courses draw on the strengths of a joint department with architecture, offering a different experience from most universities. Cross-disciplinary group work mirrors the professional relationships you'll experience in your career, and you’ll develop the imaginative approaches and skills needed to tackle a wide range of civil engineering projects.

Explore the mechanisms of policymaking to understand the key dilemmas and challenges around social rights, equality and the distribution of resources.

On this course, you’ll learn about the social and political underpinnings of key policies affecting our lives. Understand the implications social policy has for questions of identity, political organisation, social justice and human rights.

You'll learn about the origins and transformations of the institution of the state and how it interacts with the economy and third sector in the UK and beyond. You'll relate these changes to societal, technological and economic developments in Britain and around the world.

Your first year will introduce you to social policy, sociology, and research methods, where you'll explore how social issues become constructed as policy problems. You'll learn about the major social, political and economic factors shaping equality and welfare in 21st century Britain. Through tutorials focused on developing key academic skills in these areas, you’ll also learn how to evaluate data and information to develop your own arguments tailored to different audiences.

In your second year you'll focus on key policy areas such as the family, poverty, social inequality and analysis of the policy process. You'll be able to choose from a range of social science options and explore international perspectives on social policy including European perspectives and examples from further afield. This will help you locate social policy debates critically within global policy challenges.

In your final year you’ll carry out a year-long, supervised dissertation in social policy, explore policy evaluation and study social protection and welfare reform, alongside options that allow you to undertake advanced analysis of specific policy areas.

Gain a strong grounding in advanced economics. Take your knowledge a step further by applying it to the field that most interests you.

Our MSc Applied Economics and MSc Applied Economics with Banking and Financial Markets provide rigorous training in all the main aspects of economics. We are one of the only universities in the UK offering this level of specialisation on this type of master's.

Starting with a comprehensive refresher in essential maths and economics skills, you will go on to receive advanced training in the analysis of problems in applied microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and strategic decision-making.

Most importantly, you will then have the opportunity to tailor the course to the area of business or policy you are most interested in, giving you additional expertise and a head start when seeking work in that field.

Develop core knowledge of systems engineering across both mechanical and electrical engineering to boost your career prospects in industry.

Our course gives you a unique chance to balance an understanding of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering sciences with a focus on systems engineering. You’ll develop a comprehensive knowledge of mechanics, materials, electrical and electronic systems and circuits. And you’ll explore the theory and practice of the latest mechanical and electrical technologies.

Being able to apply what you’ve learnt is an important part of your study at Bath. You’ll use theory in coordinated projects and laboratory work where you’ll design and develop products and systems.

Learn how engineering, manufacturing and management work together in industry. Gain expertise in product creation processes from design to end manufacture.

Our course develops your understanding of the sciences and disciplines relating to manufacturing. You’ll study engineering, manufacturing and management to understand their role in production processes.

We draw on our links with industry to build your knowledge of the integrated systems, processes and technologies used in advanced manufacturing. Learning about the latest engineering developments will inspire you to explore ways to produce high quality products at a low cost.

Your first two years give you a grounding in core mechanical engineering principles. You'll combine this with physical science, mathematics and computing to analyse engineering systems.

Explore new and creative ways to tackle key social challenges. Learn theory and methods to understand, critically examine, and influence organisations.

This course will appeal if you want to combine an understanding of the social world from different perspectives with a rigorous analysis of policy responses to social problems. You will examine theory and techniques from sociology alongside the analytical focus of social policy.

You’ll explore areas such as health, welfare and poverty, race and discrimination, inequality and exclusion. You’ll be able to take a range of optional units on topics such as the sociology of death, lobbying, justice and conflict. By the end of the degree you’ll have an understanding of how social institutions develop, operate and how they might be improved.

Placement Year

The placement year will give you valuable practical experience and is an excellent opportunity to try different careers. It enables you to leave university with a strong CV and may set you apart from other graduates entering the job market. You can take placements in commercial, voluntary or government organisations, or in a research setting.

Equip yourself to work as a professional interpreter and/or translator on this highly respected master's, which can include a training opportunity.

Our MA Interpreting and Translating is designed to give you the practical skills and experience you need to work as an interpreter and translator at a high level.

You must have an excellent understanding of two languages. You can choose from one of two pathways:

• Path 1 allows you to work with two other languages (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish) into English
• Path 2 allows you to work in both directions between Chinese/English or Russian/English

Our interpreting and translating master's have has been running for over 50 years and is highly respected internationally for the quality of the training provided. Many Bath graduates have gone on to work in organisations such as the EU and UN, as well as other language services around the world.

The course covers professional translation and simultaneous, consecutive and liaison interpreting in public service and commercial settings.

You'll have access to the latest digital interpreting labs, and you will participate in mini-conferences to put your skills into practice, holding debates on controversial topics and acting as both delegate and interpreter.

We seek to arrange external training opportunities for our students with the United Nations or independent agencies, giving you first-hand experience of the workplace and valuable contacts for building your career.

The course is taught by experienced tutors who have all worked as professional translators and interpreters themselves. Some have interpreted for heads of state and government ministers, and/or work for international organisations. They are therefore able to share this wealth of experience with you and provide useful advice on joining the profession.

Gain a broad education in chemistry and business ready for careers in science or management.

This course allows you to combine your love of chemistry with an interest in how business works. You’ll gain a broad education in chemistry with an understanding of the theories of chemical behaviour and how they're applied. You'll also develop skills in experimental chemistry and in designing experiments to test hypothesis.

At least a quarter of the units you’ll study will be management topics, delivered by the School of Management. You’ll develop an understanding of the social, legal and economic implications of the decisions managers in industry are required to make.

Year abroad

Broaden your horizons with a year studying at a university abroad. You’ll experience another culture whilst studying a course that complements your studies at Bath.

We have links with universities in the United States, Canada, Australasia, Asia and Europe, including the Simon Fraser University, National University Singapore, University of Western Australia and the University of Helsinki.

Learn how to research, design and develop machine learning and autonomous systems technologies. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to solve complex problems.

Intelligent and autonomous systems are increasingly important in all areas of our lives, from medicine and space exploration to agriculture and entertainment. Machine learning is at the heart of these systems, including computer vision and robotics. It also underpins the recent developments in data analytics across many fields.

Understanding and developing autonomous systems involves a range of skills and knowledge including designing interactive systems with both human and machine elements, and modelling and building systems that can sense and learn. This course will give you the opportunity to develop these skills including the theory of machine learning, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems design and engineering. You’ll also learn about the implications of us interacting with intelligent and autonomous systems more and more.

Placement Year

Going on placement gives you the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge during a year working in industry. You’ll be employed full-time in a role to match your future career ambitions, broadening your experience and transferable skills.