Social Policy

Overview

The MSc in Social Policy offers the student the opportunity to acquire detailed knowledge and understanding of contemporary social policy, including the working of devolution in the UK. Students 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. Students will benefit from working with a team of internationally recognised researchers and educators 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 (visit the Ark site).

Full-Time Programme

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



Part-Time Programme

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

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



Year Two

The Politics of Social Policy and Welfare: National, International, Transnational and Global

MSc Dissertation

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.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Attendance: In person.

Start Date: September 2025.

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.