Social Policy BA/BSc
Study of how societies address issues such as poverty, inequality, housing, health, education, and wellbeing - and how governments, organisations, and communities design policies that shape everyday life.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in government and society
Want to understand social issues
Enjoy research and analysis
Want a career in policy or public services
Are analytical
Popular Career Fields
Government & Public Sector
Research & Academia
Charity & NGO Sector
Healthcare & Public Health
Your Personality Might Be:
Socially conscious
Research & Academia
Policy-focused
Motivated for change
What is it?
What is a degree in Social Policy?
Social Policy explores how welfare systems, public services, and government decisions affect people’s lives. It examines the social, economic, and political factors behind key issues such as child welfare, ageing, disability, homelessness, mental health, crime, and income inequality.
You’ll learn how policies are created, funded, delivered, and evaluated, and how they shape opportunities, wellbeing, and social justice. The subject draws on sociology, politics, economics, public health, and social research to help you understand real-world social problems and their potential solutions.
A Social Policy degree is ideal for students interested in improving society and influencing the design of fair, effective public services.
Why study Social Policy?
If you care about social justice, fairness, and the wellbeing of communities, Social Policy is a meaningful and relevant choice.
The degree helps you understand:
Why inequalities exist
How public services work
How governments make decisions
How policies can improve (or harm) people’s lives
It develops analytical and people-focused skills valued across government, charities, research, and public service organisations.
Course Summary
Study of how societies address issues such as poverty, inequality, housing, health, education, and wellbeing - and how governments, organisations, and communities design policies that shape everyday life.
What you'll study
A degree in social policy will cover topics such as:
Welfare systems, social justice, and public service provision
Poverty, inequality, housing, health, and education policy
Policy design, implementation, and evaluation
Politics, governance, and public administration
Social inequalities linked to class, gender, race, age, and disability
Social research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based policymaking
Skills You'll Gain
A Social Policy degree builds strong academic and analytical skills including:
Policy analysis and evaluation – enabling you to assess how policies work and their impact on individuals and communities.
Policy analysis and evaluation – enabling you to assess how policies work and their impact on individuals and communities.
Critical thinking – questioning assumptions and analysing social issues from multiple perspectives.
Communication and writing skills – explaining complex social issues clearly to different audiences.
Understanding of public services – developing insight into how government, charities, and agencies deliver support.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates often work in:
Government and local authorities
Charities, NGOs, and voluntary sector organisations
Social research and public policy think tanks
Housing, health, and community support services
Education and youth services
Public health and wellbeing roles
Social care and service coordination
Work Experiences & Placements
Opportunities may include:
Local government policy teams
Charities and voluntary organisations
Housing and community support services
Health and social care providers
Research institutes and think tanks
Public health and wellbeing teams
Advocacy or social justice organisations
Placements strengthen understanding of real-world service delivery and policymaking.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range of subjects. Sociology, Politics, Psychology, Economics, History, or Geography are beneficial.
Personal Statement Tips
Show interest in social issues, fairness, and public services.
Mention volunteering, charity work, community involvement, or policy-related interests.
Reflect on social problems that motivate you (e.g., inequality, housing, health).
Highlight communication, analytical thinking, and people-focused skills.
What to do Next
Compare modules (e.g., welfare, health policy, education, housing, criminology).
Attend open days or webinars.
Gain experience in community organisations or public services.
Explore introductory policy or social science reading.
Wider Reading
Social Policy: A Very Short Introduction – John Baldock: A clear overview of welfare and policy.
The Spirit Level – Wilkinson & Pickett: Powerful insight into inequality and wellbeing.
The Establishment – Owen Jones: A critical look at power and social disadvantage.
The Welfare State We’re In – James Bartholomew: A contrasting perspective on welfare systems.