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Social Policy

MA
Duration
1 year
Start
September 2025
Delivery
In-person

Our MA in Social Policy is designed for those passionate about understanding the policies that impact people’s lives. This modular program tackles key issues. This includes cultural shifts, demographic trends, economic challenges, political changes, and technological advances.

Why study with us

  • You can tailor this course to focus on aspects of your current role and conduct primary research in an area of personal or professional interest.
  • As well as looking at the latest issues around welfare provision you’ll explore what’s historically shaped social policy provision in the UK.
  • You’ll also examine the principles, political tensions and ethical dilemmas involved in planning and organising a piece of social research.
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What you'll do

  • This course is all coursework based, with no exams and a final year dissertation.
  • You’ll develop a framework of knowledge, critical understanding and analytical skills as a basis for both professional and personal development.
  • You’ll be taught through a combination of lecture, seminar and workshop settings, with the research module taught online.

Modules

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Looking to start your postgraduate journey?

Our range of subjects and study modes can support your goals. Take your next step with a postgraduate degree.

How to apply

View the course facilities

Academic expertise

Dr Jonathan Pratt
Senior Lecturer in Social Policy
Dr Stuart Cameron
Senior Lecturer in Social Care & Social Policy
JL
Dr John Lockhart
Course Leader

Future careers

Our MA in Social Policy benefits professionals working in one or other sector of the mixed economy of welfare, as well as anyone interested in social policy or related discipline such as economics, health studies, history, philosophy, politics and sociology.

Entry requirements

  • Applicants should hold at least a 2:2 degree in Social Policy or a related discipline such as Economics or Health Studies or History or Politics or Sociology
  • Exception: consideration will also be given to applicants with a first degree of Honours Classification of 2:2 or above in other disciplines
  • Candidates with a professional qualification in social care or a related area who do not have a first degree will be asked to demonstrate their suitability for postgraduate study on the basis of an essay of 2000 to 2500 words on a relevant topic and candidates may be asked to attend an interview

Fees and funding

2024/25
UK
Full-time£9,000 per year
Part-time£1,000 per 20 credits
International
Full-time£16,900 per year
2025/26
UK
Full-time£9,450 per year
Part-time£1,050 per 20 credits
International
Full-time£17,900 per year

Scholarships and bursaries

We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

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This course is delivered by the School of Health, Social Work and Sport

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page