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MA Social and Public Policy

University of York

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University of York

Course options

4 options available

  • Qualification

    MA - Master of Arts

  • Location

    University of York - Heslington Campus

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    21-SEP-26

  • Duration

    1 Year

Course summary

The MA in Social and Public Policy will equip you with the skills and knowledge to analyse, critique and shape social and public policy. You will critically engage with the theoretical and empirical dimensions of social and public policy development, drawing on different disciplinary traditions to understand policy-making in multiple contexts. You will gain detailed knowledge of policy processes, assessing the ways in which policy-making seeks to respond to complex social problems and exploring the location of policies in their wider institutional, social, political and economic context. Your studies will enable you to engage in informed debate around the distribution of power and resources, and how this intersects with the interests and activities of policy actors, and influences policy outcomes. You will develop professional and digital skills including the retrieval, interpretation and presentation of evidence, and learn how to communicate and represent complex ideas to a range of audiences. Your independent research project provides an opportunity for you to apply your research design skills to an in-depth exploration of a policy-related topic. As a graduate of this programme, you will be equipped to transfer your knowledge, insights and skills to your professional life. Our graduates work across the public, private and non-profit sectors, contributing to the public good and social progress in their chosen careers.

Application deadline

04/09/2026

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 26,900per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of York

University of York

University of York

  • University League Table

    20th

  • Campus address

    University of York - Heslington Campus, Heslington, York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom

VIEW PROFILE
One of only four UK universities (beside Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial) with TEF Gold for teaching and Top 10 for Research quality (Complete University Guide).
The University of York is in the top ten of the Complete University Guide league tables in an impressive 12 subject areas (Complete University Guide 2027).
Home to over 20,000 students from over 140 countries, creating an inclusive community and lifelong global network through their York for Life alumni platform.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    Business & Management Stu

    26th out of 124 4

    8th out of 33

  • Entry standards

    / Max 212
    128 60%

    37th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    76.0 76%

    27th

    4

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.03 76%

    104th

    9

  • Entry standards

    / Max 200
    123 61%

    16th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    74.0 74%

    3rd

    1

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.05 76%

    23rd

    8

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