Programme overview The School for Policy Studies links theory, policy and practice in a multidisciplinary, research-intensive environment. Our research engages with and influences national and international policy. Our policy experts come from a wide variety of backgrounds in social policy research, social work, sociology, gender violence, disability studies, health and social care, childhood studies, history, human geography, economics, psychology, physical activity, nutrition and health sciences, based within seven specialist research centres.
Our research examines policy areas that affect us all in day-to-day life, influences and challenges policies implemented by governments and institutions, and investigates the issues, factors and attitudes underlying the social concerns that make the headlines every day. The school is an exciting environment for graduate studies; we welcome graduate students from the UK and around the world to join our diverse and highly-rated research team. We particularly welcome applications on topics with direct relevance to national and international policy and social work concerns.
The school houses seven specialist research centres, one of which is the Norah Fry Research Centre, specialising in research around disability studies. Specifically, our PhD applicants are interested in exploring policies, practices or societal issues from the point of view of people with disabilities, recognising and valuing their human rights. Careers Studying for a PhD in Disability Studies will equip you with a broad range of research knowledge and skills, both within the disability field and beyond. As a result, what you learn when focusing on disability-related issues and developing skills in analysis and research will be relevant to vocational or non-vocational work in many different settings and topic areas.
Obtaining a PhD is a route into an academic post, either within a higher education institution or in a public sector or research enterprise. Previous graduates have gone on to work for the University of Bristol or other universities, public sector bodies, third sector organisations, self-advocacy and user-led organisations, local government or education. Their roles have been strongly related to applied social research.
