Social and Public Policy, MA

Course content

From the start of the programme you'll study core modules that introduce you to the social contexts and social problems that challenge policy makers, understanding society and social research. As the course develops you will focus more specifically on the welfare state, the process of social policy formation, and the kinds of evidence on which new policies and programmes are founded, and against which their effectiveness is evaluated.

You'll gain a thorough understanding of research methods, the theoretical assumptions which underpin them and how these affect the way the findings are interpreted. You'll also focus on specific examples such as welfare reform or employment activation policies.

With this foundation, you'll choose from optional modules to specialise in topics that suit you. You could study contemporary social thought to contextualise your work, or look at issues such as labour mobility, care, healthcare, disability or ‘race' and ethnicity. You could study further data analysis and research methods to prepare for future research.

At the end of the programme, you'll submit your dissertation - an independent piece of research on a related topic of your choice, which allows you to demonstrate and apply the knowledge and skills you've acquired during the year.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation (Social Policy) 60 credits
• Researching Culture and Society 30 credits
• Social Policy Analysis 15 credits
• Policy and Programme Evaluation 15 credits
• Understanding Society and Culture 30 credits

Optional modules

• China's Development 15 credits
• Environmental Assessment 15 credits
• European Human Rights 15 credits
• Human Resource Management: An International Perspective 15 credits
• Managing Change 15 credits
• Understanding and Managing Effective Groups and Teams 15 credits
• Social Media Marketing 15 credits
• Management of Finance for Health 15 credits
• Policing Post-Conflict Cities 15 credits
• Development Management Techniques 15 credits
• 'Race', Identity and Culture in the Black Atlantic 15 credits
• Disability and Development 15 credits
• Contested Bodies 15 credits
• Que(e)rying Sexualities 15 credits
• Social Policy Debates 15 credits
• Quantitative Research Methods 15 credits
• Qualitative Research Methods 15 credits
• Power, Critique & Global Transformations 15 credits
• Standards and Tools for Business, Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility 15 credits
• Climate Change Mitigation 15 credits
• System Dynamics: Modelling Policy 15 credits
• Show more

For more information on typical modules, read Social and Public Policy MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Social and Public Policy MA Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We use a range of teaching and learning methods including presentations, seminars, workshops, tutorials and lectures. Optional modules may also use other methods such as online learning. However, independent study is crucial to this degree - it allows you to prepare for taught sessions, develop your research interests and build a range of skills.

Assessment

Your core modules will be assessed using essays. Optional modules may use other forms of assessment that reflect the diversity of the topics you can study, including presentations, book and literature reviews, research proposals and reports among others.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in sociology, social policy, political science or a related subject.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Sociology and Social Policy admissions team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Communication and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Communication and Society (10 weeks).

How to apply

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help. There is no deadline for applications for this programme, but we advise you to apply before the end of July where possible.

• Apply (Full time)
• Apply (Part time)

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you need

• A completed application form
• A copy of your degree certificate or equivalent, as well as a transcript of your grades (or partial transcript if you're still studying)
• Two academic references
• Evidence of your English language qualifications, if English is not your first language.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

School of Sociology and Social Policy Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: £8,000 (total)

International: £18,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

You'll gain a wide range of knowledge and skills throughout this programme, including sophisticated skills in research, communication and analysis that will be useful in a variety of careers.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Related courses