International Social Policy MA

Overview

It is no longer possible to study national social policies in isolation. Global interconnections are multiplying and intensifying across a range of fields, including economics, politics and the natural environment. This course provides an introduction to comparative social policy and recent developments in welfare reforms from around the world.

Social policy is concerned with questions such as:

• How can we create a good society?
• How much money should we spend on welfare services?
• Is the current distribution of income and wealth socially just?
• Should we be charged individually for using welfare services?
• Should free markets and profit motives play a central role in service delivery?
• What are the causes and consequences of poverty?

You will compare welfare models of developed welfare states, such as European countries, and explore the relevance of recent developments and debates for developing countries. This course also considers the future of social policies and comparative analyses.

Training in research methods allows you to evaluate policy outcomes, not only in terms of their effectiveness and efficiency, but also their wider socio-economic and political contexts.

The school's teaching and research focuses on the fields of social policy, criminology, sociology, cultural studies, health studies, social work and public policy. You will be taught by researchers with world-leading reputations in these subjects, and our research-led culture allows you to develop your interests in particular themes and topics.

Academic English preparation and support

If you require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional course at the Centre for English Language Education, which is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

Students who successfully complete the presessional course to the required level can progress to postgraduate study without retaking IELTS or equivalent. You could be eligible for a joint offer, which means you will only need to apply for your visa once.

Key facts

• 78% of our research considered world-leading or internationally excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework
• 96.3% of sociology and social policy postgraduates secured work or further study within six months of graduation

Careers

This course draws on carefully selected material to cover the whole area of international social policy, from formulation to implementation and outcomes. It is designed to equip you with the skills needed for a variety of careers, such as:

• international development organisations including the World Bank, United Nations and International Labour Office
• departments and ministries concerned with social policy in national governments
• public and third sector organisations including research or managerial roles in health, housing and social services
• academic and non-academic research
• journalism

Our graduates move into a wide range of careers following their time in the school. Studying at postgraduate level can give you a head start in the job market by helping you to gain new knowledge and develop vital skills.