Applicant information
What happens after you apply to Bristol?
MSc in Policy Research
| Awards Available | MSc Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Certificate |
|---|---|
| Duration of programme | One year full-time; two to five years part-time |
| Part-time study available? | Yes |
| Number of places | 20 |
Page contents
Programme overview
Researchers, research managers and policy advisers, as well as service planners, are all faced with a growing need for top quality research which is timely and relevant. This programme has been designed for people in these positions within statutory, voluntary and charitable sector organisations.Those who have recently embarked upon a career in policy research, or who hope to do so, will find the programme offers a unique combination of academic rigour, up-to-date policy content and relevant skills development.
The programme aims to develop the particular skills and capacities of policy researchers, but recognises that students will be joining with relevant, albeit varied, experience. There will, therefore, be opportunities for students not only to draw on their own experiences as researchers, managers and policy advisors but also to share these with other participants on the programme.
In contrast to many others, this programme builds on the links between research and policy in developing the particular skills and capacities needed by policy researchers. We believe this is vital if policy researchers are to maximise the impact of their work in addressing real issues of concern to policy makers.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent). Other qualifications (including those awarded by professional bodies) and relevant professional experience will also be considered.
For information on international equivalent qualifications, please see our International Office website.
Admissions statement
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Programme structure
The programme is delivered through a series of intensive block visits held in Bristol so as to be most accessible to busy policy professionals and practitioners. Each unit is delivered during one of these blocks, allowing you to accumulate credits flexibly and organise the patterns of visits to suit your own needs and circumstances. The structure for the MSc and Diploma consists of four core and two optional units. For the MSc, you undertake an empirical research project under the supervision of a member of staff, leading to a dissertation of up to 15,000 words. A Certificate is awarded for the successful completion of three units.
Core units
- Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences
- Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences
- Introduction to Qualitative Research methods in the Social Sciences
- Further Quantitative Methods
Optional units
- Domestic Violence: Research; Policy and Activism
- Further Qualitative Methods
- Health and Social Care Research
- Researching Child and Family Welfare
- Researching Poverty, Inequality and Social Inclusion
Application deadline: Not fixed
Get in touch
Dr Demi Patsios
Programme Director
Email: demi.patsios@bristol.ac.uk
Postgraduate Senior Admissions Administrator
School for Policy Studies
8 Priory Road
Bristol
BS8 1TZ
Tel: +44 (0) 117 954 6785
Email: sps-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk
Web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/sps/studying/postgraduateprogrammes/
International students
Open to international students? Yes
English-language requirements: 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in each band, in addition to the standard entry requirements.
Find information for international students on eligibility, funding options and studying at Bristol.
Fees and funding
2014/15 fees
Full-time: UK/EU £5,600;
overseas £14,600
Part-time: UK/EU £2,800;
overseas n/a
Fees stated are per annum and subject to annual increase.
Funding options
Students can apply for the 1 + 3 ESRC studentship. Further information on funding for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students is available from the Student Funding Office website.
Research Assessment Score
Unit of Assessment 40 applies. See Complete RAE listings for University of Bristol for further details.
Useful further information
Accommodation
Our Accommodation Office helps all postgraduate students find accommodation.
Living in Bristol
Discover more about living in Bristol and the city of Bristol.