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 team of policy experts come from a wide variety of backgrounds in social policy research, social work, sociology, poverty, gender violence, disability studies, health and social care, urban studies history, human geography, economics, psychology, physical activity nutrition and health sciences, family and child welfare, based within seven specialist research centres. The research examines policy areas that affect us all in day-to-day life, influences and challenges policies implemented by governments and institutions at a local, national and international level and investigates the issues, factors and attitudes underlying and impacting the social concerns that make our 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 concerns. Studying social policy equips students with a wide range of knowledge and skills across a spectrum of interests and fields. As a result, the learning acquired by studying social policy, and the development of skills in analysis and research, is relevant to vocational or non-vocational work in a range of different settings and in different topic areas. Previous University of Bristol social policy students have entered employment in higher education, policy-related fields, within local government, other public sector bodies, and third sector (charitable) organisations. Careers have included those related to health and welfare, community work, the criminal justice system, higher education, management and consultancy.