Policy Press

Textbooks

Education is at the heart of our mission to make a difference. Our goal is to support students’ learning with materials that foster understanding, confidence and skills.

Take a look at our textbooks below or browse by subject.

We have more resources, including free journal articles and Open Access titles, available on our student resources page.

All our books are available on e-inspection for lecturers who want to consider the title(s) for use on their course reading lists. You can order an e-inspection copy here. Click ‘Request Access’ and then use the search function to request a digital sample copy of our titles. You will need to create a username and password to access your book(s).

Read our terms and conditions here.

Fill out the inspection copy survey

Don’t forget, if you sign up to our newsletter you will receive a discount on books purchased on our website.

Showing 37-48 of 280 items.

The community development reader

History, themes and issues

This unique Reader traces the changing fortunes of community development through a selection of readings from key writers.

Policy Press

Community Development, Social Action and Social Planning 6e

A Practical Guide

The sixth, fully updated edition of this bestselling guide links the theory and practice of community work in an insightful and relatable read for students and practitioners. The textbook features brand new sections on work in health, housing, with children, young people and those with disabilities and the changing role of IT.

Policy Press

Community Research for Participation

From Theory to Method

Presenting the latest thinking in the field, this book bridges a major gap in knowledge by considering both theoretical and practical issues relating to community research methodologies.

Policy Press

A Companion to Crime, Harm and Victimisation

This is the first accessible, succinct text to provide definitions and explanations of key terms and concepts relating to the expanding field of crime, harm and victimisation. Written by a wide range of experts, it includes theories, ideas and case studies relating to victims of conventional crime and victims outside the remit of criminal law.

Policy Press

A Companion to Criminal Justice, Mental Health and Risk

This unique and topical companion provides expert analyses that explore the interface between criminal justice and mental health. It consolidates scholarly analysis of theory, policy and practice and practical debates, in addition to the theoretical and ideological concerns surrounding risk assessment, treatment, control and management.

Policy Press

A Companion to State Power, Liberties and Rights

This book provides succinct yet robust definitions and explanations of core concepts and themes in relation to state power, liberties and human rights. Laid out in a user-friendly A-Z format, entries have with clear direction to related entries and further reading. It will be suitable for students on a variety of courses.

Policy Press

A Companion to the History of Crime and Criminal Justice

Offering a succinct approach to the vocabulary and terminology of historical and contemporary approaches to crime and punishment, it includes concise but robust definitions of key terms and concepts from expert contributors in a user-friendly A-Z format with clear direction to related entries and further reading.

Policy Press

Connecting with children

Developing working relationships

This accessible textbook illustrates how good communication and positive and participative relationships can be developed with children across the range of universal and specialist children's services.

Policy Press

A Contemporary History of Social Work

Learning from the Past

An important contribution to topical debates about social work education and the identity of the profession, drawing lessons from the recent history of social work to identify how and why it has lost its privilege and influence.

Policy Press

Contemporary Iran

Politics, Economy, Religion

This introductory text explains the political, economic and religious developments since the formation of the Islamic Republic in 1979 and provides an analysis of the domestic politics of Iran. It is an ideal starting point for students and general readers looking for a thought-provoking introduction to contemporary Iran.

Bristol Uni Press

Creating Participatory Research

Principles, Practice and Reality

This valuable textbook provides an accessible, pragmatic how-to guide for using participatory methods in research. Providing practical advice, real-world examples, and packed with reflective questions, top tips and suggested further reading, this book will be an essential resource for students and researchers alike.

Policy Press

Creative Research Methods

A Practical Guide

Written in an accessible, practical and jargon-free style, this useful book informs and inspires researchers by showing readers why, when, and how to use creative methods in their research.

Policy Press