This Master’s degree is a cutting-edge, new MA programme, which aims to set new standards in the critical study and application of social sciences. Learning from active researchers with diverse areas of expertise, you will be led through the key contemporary debates in social policy. Our Master’s degree has a strong focus on critical and radical approaches to the study of social policy both here in the UK and from international and global perspectives. The commitment we share is to provide our students with the skills to apply challenging intellectual debates in order to design and conduct high quality research primarily with a view to improving social justice and creating change in the face of a turbulent and market-driven global society. In particular, the course examines how social policies can reinforce and reproduce marginalisation and oppression in society for groups such as women, deprived communities, ethnic minorities, migrants, disabled people and older people. The programme also analyses how various social policies have been the result of resistance to dominant economic structures and should therefore also be conceptualised as key institutions formalising the rights of the same groups which social policies often oppress. Social policy is a deeply political subject and as consequence our programme explores the theoretical links between the economy and transformations in welfare systems, with a focus on change through different phases of welfare development. It considers the ideologies and political-economic projects that underpin different stages of welfare development, and possible future changes for the welfare state. With our strong focus on research, our course also enables students to develop the central skills required to analyse, understand and critically evaluate social policy issues. Not only do we encourage students to understand policies comparatively, we also provide research training which covers the key philosophical issues and traditions in social science and the uses and strengths of the range of methods and methodological approaches. Finally, the programme enables participants to develop and critically assess a range of dialogical and transferrable skills, which will maximise their potential and equip them with the knowledge and awareness of the changing global social dynamics, necessary in order to pursue leading and managerial positions in various fields, including education, business, media and governance.
The programme consists of four modules and a dissertation (final research project) totalling 180 credits. Assessment methods will vary and may include academic essays, reports, presentations and examinations, research proposals and a research dissertation.
Normally a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in any relevant discipline.
Applications from students who do not hold a 1st or 2:1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) may be asked to demonstrate potential to achieve a Masters award via a sample of academic writing and interview before an offer is made.
For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 minimum of all components. In addition to this, we also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.
For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages.
All classes are held at Liverpool Hope University’s main campus, Hope Park. The campus is situated just four miles from the city centre and offers superb academic and support facilities, including on-campus library, free computer and wi-fi access, and a careers service for advice on part-time work opportunities and post-study careers.
The Department of Social Work, Care and Justice has a growing reputation and is currently recognised as one of the key departments in the country for radical and critical social policy and social work studies. The department is home to the Journal of Radical and Critical Social Work.
We are a growing department with a diverse and enthusiastic staff team who are active researchers and are published widely in a number of areas. The team are largely focused on issues of inequality and social justice. Specific areas of interest include: radical perspectives on the welfare state, racism, immigration, critical perspectives on mental health, the history of welfare reform and class politics, political economy, immigration, social models of disability, social policy of youth/childhood and gender inequality.
Tuition fees for Home/EU students for 2020/21 are £5,200
We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.
The International tuition fees for courses starting in the 2020/21 academic year are £11,400 per year (provisional).
If you are an international student, visit our international scholarships pages.
The MA in Social Policy will enhance the career development and prospects of entering occupations such as social work, public sector welfare work, probation service, teaching, journalism, local and national government, social research, charity/voluntary sector, campaigning and non-governmental organisations.
Graduates will also have developed the skills in research and communication and in critical and flexible thinking that are sought after by a wide range of employers. This post-graduate qualification would enable graduates to embark on a research degree or PhD programme.