Find a social policy degree

The aim of the program in MA in Social Policy is to train social policy professionals who, with their acquired theoretical and methodological knowledge, are able to participate in the formulation of policies in the field of societal and social policy, contribute to the operation of the service system, to represent social interests and to theoretical research, research and development of social and social policy education. They are ready to continue their studies in doctoral programs.

The Social Policy (Research Methods) MSc explores contemporary social problems, policy intervention, and policymaking processes across different sectors and countries, combined with rigorous training in traditional and innovative research methodologies required in the study of social policy. The relationship between research and policy is a key programme theme. It can be studied on campus or online, giving you the flexibility to engage with the programme from anywhere in the world.

Why does gender inequality in work and private lives continue to exist, despite advancements in work-family policies? How do people’s attitudes towards climate change and sustainability affect their behaviour? Why does society seem to be polarising on a large amount of issues? How can we explain unexpected effects of existing social policies on people’s lives and well-being? If you are interested in these kinds of questions, the Master’s programme in Social Challenges, Policies and Interventions is a great choice for you.

Our MA in Social Policy programme aims to train social policy practitioners who, based on their theoretical and methodological knowledge, can participate in policymaking in the field of social policy, manage and contribute to the operation of the care system, represent social interests, and theorize, research, and teach social and social policy.

This program will provide you with knowledge of the policy-making process and cultivate your analytical skills. The program offers expertise in social policy, health policy, educational policy, employment policy and others. We pay special attention to qualitative and quantitative policy research methodology. You will be able to perform analytical, conceptual, organisational, interactive and managing tasks in creating and implementing public and social policies within the international context.

Our MA Social Policy degree equips you to understand a rapidly changing world and promote social justice.

This degree programme is an opportunity to study both Social Policy and Sociology within an interdisciplinary social sciences context. This BSc Sociology and Social Policy programme combines Social Policy, the study of how societies respond to human needs and seek to promote the well-being of their members, with Sociology, which is dedicated to the study of social life as found in groups, institutions and societies.

BA in Social Policy and Sociology Social Policy students learn how to tackle major policy problems. They do this by applying core concepts from social science to intractable social problems such as gender inequality, eldercare, children's rights, and climate change. As an applied and critical social science, you will gain knowledge and understanding of contemporary government policies and consider how we can achieve improvements.

The Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis) MSc has a specialist focus on advanced methods for evidence synthesis and the systematic review of research. You will also study social policy and the place of research and evidence within policymaking and practice. It can be studied on campus or fully online, giving you the flexibility to engage with the programme from anywhere in the world. This programme was formally known as the Social Policy and Social Research (with Systematic Reviews) MSc.

A joint approach by two European universities to contemporary societies and social issues. Comparative Social Policy and Welfare (COSOPO) provides an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary societies in Europe and facilitates understanding social policy and welfare issues in global, national, and local contexts. In this program, you are able to develop skills for understanding and analyzing the development of societies and for engaging with sustainable welfare and policy solutions.

The MPhil in Social Policy and Development is an interdisciplinary Master's coursework and research program that is intended to build your knowledge and practice capacity in developing and analyzing social policies and interventions intended to address social development challenges at the national, community, and household level in South Africa and the Southern African region. The course will also have applicability to other development contexts.

The Public and Social Policy (PSP) doctoral study program prepares students for basic and applied research and teaching in academia as well as other types of activities requiring a high level of theoretical and methodological education in PSP. This program is open to all master's degree graduates or equivalent.

Through industry-informed teaching and real-world application, this course gives you a firm understanding of key policy areas - from health and housing to criminal justice and human rights – while developing your skills in data-analysis techniques as well as primary and secondary research. Thanks to our practical learning opportunities and collaboration with leading organisations, you graduate with the expertise and confidence needed to address social issues and drive positive change in a range of professional roles.

The MSc Policy Research program provides core research training in philosophy and research design in the social sciences, along with introductions to, and further approaches to, quantitative and qualitative methods in the social sciences. It has a particular emphasis on co-produced research involving communities that are often marginalised or excluded from the process.

Our Education, Policy & Society MA is an interdisciplinary course which draws on sociology, political science, economics and history to address the challenges of education policy and provision. It will give you a deep understanding of educational policy and processes in relation to issues of race, social class, gender and changes such as globalisation and new managerialism.

This degree is focused on the theory and practice of community development. The degree is called ‘social policy’ (for an administrative reason) but the content is entirely on community development. It involves five theory modules on community development (including models of and approaches to community development, ethics, and project management), three modules on research (with a focus on community-based action research), and a whole year module of internship (requiring you to work in a supervised, approved placement for three days a week). This degree articulates closely with the BA in Community Development and Leadership, and together they will lead towards registration as a community development practitioner when community development is professionalized with the SA Council for Social Service Practitioners.