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Course overview
Our MA Social Policy degree equips you to understand a rapidly changing world and promote social justice.
Better understand a world of dynamic identities and race and gender inequalities within our societies. We offer a suite of optional modules that examine a broad range of social issues and divisions.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode and 24 months in a part-time mode.
Course highlights
The 21st Century has seen rapid social changes in social policy and welfare. Our Social Policy MA equips students with the tools to understand these changes and challenges they bring to society.
- Tailor the curriculum to match your own interests and career plans
- Engage critically with cutting-edge, research-led modules on social policy and welfare
- #8 in the UK
for Social Policy (The Complete University Guide 2025)
- #9 in the UK
for 4* research in Social Policy (REF 2021)
Course delivery
Our MA Social Policy course focuses on the transformation of our societies to increase human well-being, promote sustainable forms of living and encourages you to evaluate alternative forms of social organisation.
- Taught modules – these include lectures, seminars, journal clubs and workshops. Research-based modules – working on your own and in groups, you’ll enjoy regular supervision and directed research work
- Assessments - these will include a range of coursework, such as traditional essay, policy reports and dissertation
Module information
The course comprises of a series of 2 taught core modules and a Dissertation project (100 credits) complemented by optional modules (80 credits).
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| Philosophies of Welfare: creating new societies? | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Poverty, Wealth & Inequality | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students must also choose 80 credits from the list below or other CoSS modules with the School’s agreement:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Environment, Policy and Society | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Communicating Science in Diverse, Unequal and Polarised Societies | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Crime and Justice in a Globalised World | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Crime and Social Harm | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Financial Wellbeing and Inclusion: a Social Policy Perspective | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Gendering Migration and Diaspora | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Global Policy Institutions and Networks | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Globalisation, International Migration and Citizenship | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Migration, Superdiversity, Policy and Practice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Policy Evaluation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Policy Futures: Theories and Concepts in International Policymaking | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Sociology of race and racism | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Transforming Identities | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Transforming Societies | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
in a relevant subject
For entry onto this programme you will normally have an undergraduate degree of at least a 2:1. Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification will be considered on a case by case basis, if you have extensive related work experience. International applicants will be required to hold an IELTs 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification.
Applicants are required to offer a relevant degree subject, and we will consider the following subjects: social policy, sociology, criminology, cultural studies, politics, international relations, generic social science degrees (but excluding Business related degrees), human/social geography, media studies, art history, history and philosophy.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Social policy is an applied social science that equips you with social research skills, substantive knowledge of social issues, and policy analysis techniques.
The MA Social Policy programme is ideal for professionals in health, housing, and social services, or those pursuing careers in these fields. It also suits students with relevant undergraduate degrees in social science or humanities, now looking to study social policy at the postgraduate level.
- #1 Most Targeted UK University
by leading graduate employers (High Fliers Research 2024)
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.