Social Policy

Overview

Social Policy master’s programme at Ulster offers students the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of contemporary social policy and its relevance to major societal challenges such as inequality, social justice, and welfare reform from both local and global perspectives.



The course provides high-quality training in social research methods, policy analysis, and effective dissemination. Students will learn how to apply key theoretical frameworks and concepts to real-life policy problems across a range of contexts, including within the UK’s devolved administrations and post-conflict societies.



Teaching is delivered by a team of experienced lecturers and internationally recognised researchers, including Alexandra Chapman, Ann Marie Gray, Fiona Bloomer, Johanne Devlin Trew, Julie Harris, Máire Braniff, and Volkan Yilmaz. Please note that the University reserves the right to make changes to the teaching team for the MSc Social Policy. While we strive to maintain consistency, changes may occur due to circumstances beyond our control, such as staff research commitments, sabbaticals, or leave.



As a student in the School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences, you will also benefit from the School’s vibrant research culture, including access to the work of specialist centres such as ARK – a leading resource for social and public policy and social research in Northern Ireland.

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.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Attendance: In person.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers across public, voluntary, and private sectors, and many have used the programme as a strong foundation for further study, including PhDs.