Social Policy is an academic field with a substantial research, training and educational background. The discipline draws on politics, sociology, economics and history to offer an in-depth study of the subject.
You will look at the various ways in which societies are organised to meet the health, educational and welfare needs of their citizens.
Why choose this subject?
• Rigorous training in a key area of national and local government authority.
• Exciting international fieldtrip opportunities.
• High academic standards; excellent reports from External Examiners.
• Taught by national profile academics.
• Work-based module to enhance employability.
Level 1
You will study the history and development of the welfare state. Starting with the nineteenth century poor laws the course looks at how society has considered and dealt with poor and disadvantaged sectors in society. The course develops to give a fully grounded understanding of social welfare problems and issues today.
Level 2
You will examine present day ‘divisions of welfare’ – looking at how divisions such as class, gender, ‘race’, sexuality, disability and aging affect people’s ‘life chances’. You will also undertake an introductory research methods course which enables you to develop the skills to undertake social research.
At Level 3
You will take two from four options: social policy theory; international and global social issues; a social policy dissertation or a work-based course based at Liverpool Personal Services Society (PSS).
At all three levels of study you will undertake a range of assessments including diagnostic essay, report writing, essays, group work and presentations, work-based portfolios and examinations. Many of these assessments provide appropriate work-related transferrable skills.
The standard offer level is a minimum of 300 UCAS points, including a minimum of two A/A2 levels or equivalent.
Social Policy is available as a BA Combined Honours degree with the following subjects:
| Social Policy and Childhood & Youth | UCAS code LL94 |
| Social Policy and Christian Theology | UCAS code VL64 |
| Social Policy and Criminology | UCAS code ML94 |
| Social Policy and Early Childhood | UCAS code XL34 |
| Social Policy and English Language | UCAS code QL34 |
| Social Policy and English Literature | UCAS code QL3K |
| Social Policy and Geography | UCAS code FL44 |
| Social Policy and Health & Wellbeing | UCAS code L5L4 |
| Social Policy and History | UCAS code VL14 |
| Social Policy and International Relations | UCAS code LL24 |
| Social Policy and Law | UCAS code ML14 |
| Social Policy and Nutrition | UCAS code LB44 |
| Social Policy and Sociology | UCAS code LL65 |
| Social Policy and Tourism | UCAS code LN84 |
| Social Policy and Special Educational Needs | UCAS code XL14 |
| Social Policy and World Religions | UCAS code LV64 |
Social policy graduates find employment in a wide range of occupations. These include research and managerial posts in the health service, local government and local voluntary sector organisations.
Some graduates will also pursue further study at MA level or undertake professional Masters level training.
Any Social Policy graduate from Hope is guaranteed an interview – if they so wish - for a place on the department’s MA Social Work programme.
Student Recruitment
+44 (0) 151 291 3111
Laura Penketh
+44 (0) 151 291 3241
Department: Social Work, Care and Justice
