It is one of 27 undergraduate subjects taught at the University of Bristol which are in the top ten in the UK, according to the Guide.

These range from mechanical engineering, chemistry, politics and law to computer science, education, music and mathematics.

The Guide draws on a number of factors to decide its subject and university rankings, including teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate outcomes.

Professor Evelyn Welch, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “It is fantastic to see the variety of Bristol subjects included in this year’s Complete University Guide.

“Our students are some of the most talented in the world and our staff work exceptionally hard to give them an outstanding university education."

Professor Karen West, Head of School at the School for Policy Studies said: "We are very pleased to see our Social Policy courses ranked so highly in the Complete University Guide.  Social policy is central to many issues that are currently in the news, from debates about personal independence payments, the cost of living crisis, the housing crisis and the fairness of net zero, to name just a few.  The School for Policy studies has a well-established reputation for its excellent research and teaching on key issues of social policy and many of our excellent students have gone on to make a real difference in the world.  This recognition is testament to them and to our excellent staff".

Overall, the Guide ranked Bristol as the 15th best university in the UK. Other surveys by QS and Times Higher Education rank Bristol as 8th and 9th best in the UK respectively.