Social policy courses

If you'd like to dedicate your career to addressing social problems and improving people's lives then consider studying a social or public policy course

What is social policy?

'Social policy is the study of how societies can help people meet their needs and tackle social inequalities through government programmes, businesses, charities, and families,' explains Dr Helen Kowalewska, assistant professor in social policy at the University of Bath.

'It looks at how policies and actions at local, national, and international levels affect real-life issues, like poverty, unemployment, and gender inequality, for a fairer and more inclusive society. Research in this field can offer important insights and evidence that can help improve people's lives and promote social justice.'

'There can be little doubt that social policy issues are now at the centre of political debate in Britain and much of the rest of the industrialised world,' says Dr Jonathan Pratt, senior lecturer in social policy at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). 'Social policy issues affect us all.'

What is an example of social policy?

'Social policies cover a range of government benefits and services designed to support people throughout their lives, from cradle to grave,' says Dr Kowalewska.

Social policies include:

• family and childcare benefits - 'Universal Credit aims to support working-age people with living costs. Another significant benefit is Child Benefit, which helps lower-income families with the costs of children. Policies like Maternity Leave, Shared Parental Leave, and subsidised childcare aim to boost employment among parents and provide children with access to early years education.'
• statutory healthcare - 'In the UK, one key example is the National Health Service (NHS), which offers healthcare based on need, with most services free at the point of use.'
• state pensions - 'The State Pension is also crucial, offering financial support to people once they reach retirement age.'

Other examples include:

• social housing
• state education
• unemployment support.

What's the difference between social and public policy?

'While social policy and public policy are intertwined given that they embody the whole processes of state policy making, the distinguishing feature of social policy its focus on the field of social welfare and public service areas such as health, education, social security, housing, social care etc., and evaluating policy in these areas in a historical, theoretical and comparative perspective,' explains Dr Pratt.

Social policy focuses on the decisions made by the government to address issues of social need, while public policy analyses any decisions made by the state. There can be quite a bit of overlap between the two, and you'll find it's the same when it comes to university courses.

Do I need a social policy degree?

'A degree is usually needed to work in social policy. Most jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in social policy, sociology, or a related field,' says Dr Kowalewska.

Specific social policy degrees may be particularly useful, if for example, you'd like to work as a:

• housing officer
• local government officer
• policy officer
• social research officer

However, you could land a role with a degree in related subjects such as politics, public administration or social science.

What do undergraduate degrees involve?

When you study social policy you'll be analysing the role that governments play in the provision of social services, considering the legislation, principles and guidelines in place.

You'll also be looking to highlight inequalities and propose solutions to ensure that all social groups - defined by age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and socio-economic status - have full access to the support and services available.

There are several social policy courses at undergraduate level, with the opportunity to go down either the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) routes.

Irrespective of the type of degree you choose, many social policy programmes include the chance to undertake a work placement and help you develop the research skills required for a successful career in the UK's public services sector.

For instance, on the three year BSc Social Policy course at the University of Bath you'll explore social justice and welfare issues to understand the challenges society faces around rights, equality and distribution of resources. You'll learn about policies that affect people's lives and study the impact social policy has on identity, political organisations, social justice and human rights.

Compulsory units include:

• Becoming a social scientist
• Social problems, social change and the state
• The making of modern society
• Policy making: politics and practices
• Policy analysis for professional practice.

In your final year you'll complete a dissertation and get the opportunity to participate in a professional placement. 'The year-long placement provides valuable real-world exposure to the field, which can significantly enhance employability and understanding of social policy in action. Placement opportunities are available in government departments, think-tanks, and charities at local, national, and international levels,' says Dr Kowalewska. You'll need AAB at A-level for entry.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has a department dedicated to the study of social policy. Its BSc International Social and Public Policy can be studied on its own or as part of a multidisciplinary approach in combination with politics or economics. With an international approach to the subject, you'll analyse real world issues such as poverty, disadvantage, international development, welfare and work.

Other BA and BSc Social Policy university options include:

• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• University of Leeds
• University of York

All these social policy degrees are usually studied for three years on a full-time basis, with some allowing the course to be studied across six years part time.

Learn more about what you can do with a social policy degree.

Can I do a Masters in social policy?

There are plenty of options at Masters level. Many of the universities running undergraduate degree programmes - for instance, the University of Birmingham and the University of York - also run Masters courses.

Social policy Masters degrees typically combine taught coursework along with supervised independent study. You'll get to develop your research skills and focus on an area of interest.

For example, the MA in Social Policy at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a modular course. 'It is designed for professionals and graduates who want to deepen their understanding of social policy issues, enhance their research skills, and advance their careers in public service, policy analysis, social research, or management roles,' says Dr Pratt.

You'll study compulsory modules such as:

• Understanding Poverty and Social Inequality: Perspectives from History
• Comparative Social Policy and Social Change
• Social Theory and Social Policy: Rethinking Welfare
• The Making of Social Policy
• Themes and Perspective in Social Research
• Dissertation.

You'll need at least a 2:2 in social policy or a related discipline for entry. In 2025/26 fees for full-time UK students are £9,450.

The University of Leeds offers an MA in Social and Public Policy, bringing the two strands together. You'll need a 2:1 in a social science or related subject for entry onto the year-long course. You'll get to choose from a range of optional modules but core units include:

• Social Policy Analysis
• Social Policy Debates
• Public Administration: Policy, Planning and Development in a Globalised World
• Research and Strategy Design
• Dissertation.

Tuition fees for UK students in 2025/26 stand at £12,250.

Postgraduate courses in social policy are also available at:

• Cardiff University
• Liverpool Hope University
• University of Strathclyde

If you've decided that you'd like to go down this postgraduate route, search for social policy courses.

What about a Masters in public policy (MPP)?

At the University of Oxford, you can study for a Masters of Public Policy (MPP). On this intensive one year course you'll study compulsory modules such as:

• Economics
• Evidence and Public Policy
• Foundations (Philosophy and Public Policy)
• Law and Public Policy
• Policy Challenge I
• Policy Challenge II
• The Politics of Policymaking.

You'll need a first or a strong 2:1 in any discipline for entry. Fees in 2025/26 for the UK are £53,340.

Other Masters in public policy are available at:

• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• University College London (UCL)
• University of Essex

You can also explore your options when it comes to funding postgraduate study.

What social policy jobs can I do?

Once you've achieved relevant qualifications, there are a number of career paths to choose from.

'Many graduates go on to work in policy roles, shaping policies on issues like education, poverty reduction, and supporting people into employment. Others build careers in the charity sector, focusing on advocacy. Some enter journalism, PR, or the business world, working in corporate social responsibility or consultancy,' adds Dr Kowalewska.

Two common roles include policy officerÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýsocial researcher, but other popular social policy jobs include:

• charity officer
• Civil Service administrator
• government social research officer
• health service manager
• housing manager/officer
• local government officer

Graduates of the social policy programme at Bath have gone on to build careers in government departments, social enterprises and charities, social care and family services and public policy consultancy.

Find out more

• Read about how to get a graduate job in public services.
• Explore the public services and administration sector.