Social Policy

The MSc in Social Policy offers you the opportunity to acquire detailed knowledge and understanding of contemporary social policy, including the working of devolution in the UK. You will receive an excellent training in social research methods, effective dissemination, policy analysis, and the ability to apply theoretical perspectives and concepts to real-life problems.

The course has a strong focus on major societal challenges such as social justice and inequality, and global perspectives on these issues. You will benefit from working with a team of internationally recognised researchers and educators who are committed to facilitating students’ personal, intellectual, and professional development. As a student in the School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences, you will also benefit from the research expertise of our staff and from the work of specialist research centres in the School, such as ARK (ark.ac.uk).

The course is suited to those aiming for a career in the public sector, in NGOs, and in private sector research organisations. It is also geared towards professionals working in these sectors who are seeking to enhance career progression.

For further course details please see "Course Web Page".

Year one
Foundations of Social Science Research
Theorising and Researching Social Policy, Equality and Social Justice
From Theory to Practice: addressing inequality and injustice through Social Policy
The Politics of Social Policy and Welfare: National, International, Transnational and Global
MSc Dissertation
Social Action for Peace and Justice: A Community Development Approach This module is optional
Survey and Quantitative Methods This module is optional
Qualitative Research Methods This module is optional

Standard entry conditions
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Applicants must have a second class honours degree or better in Social Sciences, Humanities, Law or a cognate discipline from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard;

In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink").

Start Date: September 2024

Career options
As a graduate of this programme you will be equipped to work in a broad range of roles, such as social policy researcher, advisor to government, or as NGO personnel. You will also have the methodological background to move into doctoral research.