Social Policy and Politics, MA (Hons)

This joint degree programme offers a comprehensive foundation in social policy and politics, disciplines that mutually enhance understanding. Social policy at the University of Edinburgh equips students to confidently address contemporary political debates, covering key areas such as health, welfare, labour markets, education, family, and childhood. It examines how policies influence civic culture, political engagement, and citizen participation, while providing tools to analyse policy impacts on society and the economy, including the processes and actors involved in policy creation.Politics explores the theory and practice of governance, questioning how institutions form rules, who wields power, and the implications of decisions, alongside concepts of justice and societal ideals. Drawing on expert faculty, students investigate conflicts over power, participation, and resources at local, national, and international levels, including ethical dimensions. At Edinburgh, instruction from research-active staff with real-world applications, collaborations with governments, NGOs, and other organisations, and a focus on comparative analysis and empirical skills foster critical thinking and research capabilities.