Policy Research

The Policy Research program from University of Bristol 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 program 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 program 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 programs, 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.

Careers

The MSc in Policy Research stresses the development of policy research and analysis methods, as well as substantive knowledge. Graduates from our MSc Policy Research can go on to work as policy researchers and analysts, or research commissioners/managers in public or private agencies, both in the UK and internationally.

Potential employers include local or central government departments, voluntary or charitable organisations,national or international non-governmental organisations, or global institutions such as the United Nations.

Courses included:

• Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences

• Policy Research Dissertation

• Further Quantitative Methods

• Further Qualitative Methods

• The Economics of Public Policy
• Supervised Independent Study