MA Social Policy

Help drive change in social inequalities

Course details

Delivery: online, part-time

Duration: two years

Start dates: Future start dates are to be confirmed.

Fees: £8,549 (flexible payment plans available)

Course overview

Our online MA in Social Policy will help you understand and analyse some of the most pressing issues faced by the world today.

You’ll explore how cultural, demographic, economic, governmental, and technological changes shape social policy across the globe, and develop the skills needed to carry out social research informed by debates on methodology, epistemology, ethics, and politics.

Experienced team

Benefit from the insight of our experienced academics through regular discussion, feedback, assessments and live webinars (recorded so they can be watched back at any time).

Professional growth

Receive tailored support and resources to sharpen your independent learning, giving you the skills to further your own development long after graduation.

Thrive in the field

Explore contemporary issues with modules that will provide you with a framework of knowledge and the analytical skills needed to thrive in this field.

Learning outcomes

This programme has been carefully designed to provide higher-level critical thinking, awareness and theoretical knowledge in the study of poverty and social inequality as social phenomena.

Upon completing the MA in Social Policy, you’ll be able to:

Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the challenges involved in undertaking social policy research
Identify, examine, and make use of research and other appropriate material for the analysis of social policy issues
Use the subject specific and cognitive skills you’ll develop in the critical analysis of social policy issues
Plan, conduct, and report on your own social policy research projects

During this introductory module, you’ll be introduced to several concepts, techniques, and theories employed in developing social policy systems and analysis. You’ll learn how to apply this knowledge to specific social policy issues, and will also dedicate time to researching the various dilemmas and challenges faced by the welfare state.

This module will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of the contexts within which studies and debates on poverty and social inequality have been conducted.

You’ll analyse major investigations into poverty and learn how to identify elements of continuity and change in the study of poverty and social inequality as social phenomena.

The aim of this module is to help you expand your knowledge of this field by exploring the dynamics of social policy developments from an international point of view.

You’ll be encouraged to critically evaluate current international social policy trends and issues by drawing upon case studies and a range of theoretical contributions to social policy analysis.

The studies you’ll take on will provide an overview of crucial issues and debates associated with the production and evaluation of research for practice in social care. You can look forward to extending your own knowledge and understanding of qualitative and quantitative research processes whilst developing your capacity to act as an independent and critical thinker.

With this final module, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake an in-depth, critical exploration and analysis of an area you are interested in within this field.

Your dissertation can be based on the area of specialisation you hope to enter following graduation, or even a challenge that’s present or relevant to your current place of work.

Examples of previous dissertation topics for on-campus MA Social Policy students include:

The social impact of the Second World War and the creation of the 'classic' Welfare State
Is the introduction of Universal Credit causing a decline in mental health?
Child Protection in England and India: Experience from the last three decades
Crumbs from the table? The social legacy of the ‘Right to Buy'

Entry requirements

You must hold at least a 2:2 degree in Social Policy or a related discipline such as Economics, Health Studies, History, Politics, or Sociology. We’ll also consider your application if you have an honours degree classification of 2:2 or above in other disciplines.
We may ask you to attend an online, 45-minute interview to discuss your background and interest in the course.
You can also explore using our accreditation of prior learning (APL) to claim credits that you can put towards your degree, based on the experience you currently hold.
If you don’t speak English as a first language you will need to hold a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or an accepted equivalent.

Unsure if you have the right qualifications or experience? Don’t worry – we know it’s impossible to measure everyone’s capabilities in the same way.

How we teach

We offer an interactive mix of weekly webinars, forums, and learning activities to keep you engaged and challenged during your studies with us. However, you’ll also be given the freedom and flexibility to access these resources at your own time, to best fit your schedule.

In addition, we’ll provide guidance on how to identify, locate, and use the online material available in the Library. Comprehensive bibliographies are provided for each module, as are guidelines for when you’ll be expected to produce essays, projects, and your dissertation.

Careers and opportunities

Upon completing the course and earning your degree, you’ll have the expertise needed to establish a successful career in social welfare provision and public service.

The self-direction and time management skills you can expect to gain will also make you a strong candidate for a variety of roles, particularly at a managerial level.

Some of the positions you could explore include:

Charity officer
Civil service administrator
Health service manager
Policy officer
Social researcher

Your degree also opens you up to the prospect of pursuing a PhD; in many countries an MA is an essential requirement for study at doctoral level.

As mentioned in the module overview section above, your dissertation gives you with the opportunity – after obtaining ethical approval – to conduct an in-depth research project in your intellectual and professional specialist area of choice.

Check out our MA Social Policy careers page for more information on potential career paths open to you.

MA Social Policy

Help drive change in social inequalities

Course details

Course overview