1. Higher Education Advisors’ Day Applying for Social Policy at the University of Bristol Dr Simon Pemberton

2. Outline What is Social Policy? Why Study Social Policy at Bristol? Qualifications Personal Statement Admissions Criteria

3. 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.’

4. 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

5. 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 2 nd in The Independent’s University League Tables

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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!

9. More info….. Studying Social Policy at the University of Bristol http://www.bris.ac.uk/sps/studying/default.shtml Studying Social Policy at University http://www.swap.ac.uk/ Any questions….e mail s.a.pemberton@bristol.ac.uk