Higher Education Advisors’ DayApplying for Social Policy at the University of Bristol

Dr Simon Pemberton

Outline

• What is Social Policy?

• Why Study Social Policy at Bristol?

• Qualifications

• Personal Statement

• Admissions Criteria

What is Social Policy?

• The discipline: ‘is based upon a distinct empirical focus – support for the well-being of citizens provided through social action…’

• A multi disciplinary subject: law, sociology, politics, economics, geography

• The process: ‘refers to the social actions taken by policy-makers in the real world.’

What is Social Policy?

A Social Policy Degree covers topics, such as…

• Poverty and social exclusion• Health care reforms• Education policies• Crime and criminal justice• Housing and homelessness• Urban problems and regeneration• Changing populations and patterns of family life

Why Bristol?

• We offer high quality teaching which is related to our research interests; most lecturers will be leading researchers in their field

• Social Policy at the University of Bristol was ranked 1st in The Guardian's and 2nd in The Independent’s University League Tables

Qualifications

Typical offer• Single Honours Social Policy ABC/BBB • Joint Honours Social Policy & Sociology

ABC/BBB• Joint Honours Social Policy & Politics AAB/ABB • Access Qualifications: 45 points at level 3.

Should contain maths and english (GCSE equivalent)

Admissions Criteria

• Academic performance including ‘A’ Level performance or prediction, normally based on 3 ‘A’ Levels (or equivalent). Specific ‘A’ levels not required – General Studies not accepted.

• GCSE (or equivalent)

• Personal statement

• Reference

• Exceptional circumstances

Personal Statement• Why you have chosen to study Social

Policy?

• Topics, ideas and concepts which interest you about your chosen subject. Include details of what you have read about the subject.

• Particular interests you have in your current studies.

• Any job, work experience, placement or voluntary work you have done, particularly if it is relevant to your subject.

• Positions of authority or use of communication skills in any activity.

• Details of skills you have gained through activities. E.g., sports, hobbies, Young Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh's Award etc.

• Your future plans.

• If you are planning to take a year out, explain why and what you plan to do.

• EVIDENCE!

More info…..

Studying Social Policy at the University of Bristolhttp://www.bris.ac.uk/sps/studying/default.shtml

Studying Social Policy at Universityhttp://www.swap.ac.uk/

Any questions….e mails.a.pemberton@bristol.ac.uk