Our Masters degree in social policy is designed to develop students’ critical knowledge and understanding of social policy. Together with active researchers you will be led through the key contemporary debates in social policy as well as learning how to develop and carry out your own social policy-focused research projects.
Our Master’s has a strong focus on critical and radical approaches to the study of social policy both here in the UK and from a global perspective. In particular the course is concerned with 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. Concurrently, nevertheless, the program will also analyse 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 also a deeply political subject and as consequence our program explores the theoretical links between the economy and transformations in welfare systems.
With our strong focus on research methods, however, our course also enables students to develop the central skills required to analyse, understand and critically evaluate any social policy issue. Not only do we encourage students to understand policies comparatively, we also provide a significant amount of research training which covers the key philosophical issues and traditions in social science complimented by significant instruction on the uses and strengths of the range of methods and methodological approaches (i.e. quantitative and qualitative data analysis, focus groups, ethnography and so on).
Drawing on our vibrant and developing research culture we offer contemporary and relevant degree programme, drawing expertise from our interest in current social policy trends in Britain, Europe and globally. Studying for a Master’s in Social Policy is guaranteed to be an intellectually engaging experience which will allow students to develop the skills required for many relevant career pathways.
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 2019/20 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.