Social Policy, BA (Hons), with industry placement

Course summary

The BA (Hons) Social Policy degree explores how social problems arise, how governments react and the impact this has on society and its citizens. Students can learn the skills necessary to critically analyse the efficacy and fairness of policies and explore public and media responses. In addition to its core ideas, Social Policy also draws on a range of other social science disciplines including sociology, politics, philosophy, economics, and law. Students can use these approaches to examine ideas such as welfare, poverty and inequality, tackling difficult and often controversial topics, including current issues in the news. Teaching is informed by the research expertise of academic staff from the School of Social and Political Sciences, who contribute regularly to national policy debates.

The first year introduces core concepts and knowledge that provides a platform from which to scrutinise social policy issues in detail. Students can learn about social problems and social policies in the UK and internationally, and how to conduct and apply social science research. In the second year, there is the opportunity to build on these foundations and choose from a range of optional modules. During the third year, students may choose from a wide range of options that provide insights into topics such as multiculturalism, crime and gender, and new social movements, as well as approaches in developed and developing countries. For the most up to date module information, please visit the course page for this programme on our website. Timetabling arrangements may limit the availability of some optional modules to some students. As the options often reflect staff research interests, they may alter over time due to staff availability.