MA (Hons) Social Policy and Economics in Edinburgh United Kingdom | The University of Edinburgh

This well-regarded combined degree offers foundational knowledge in both Social Policy and Economics, two disciplines that mutually enhance and inform one another.
Year 1 - Students will enroll in Social Policy & Society, focusing on three core concepts: societal needs, social challenges, and welfare rights, exploring how these themes shape welfare discussions. The Politics of the Welfare State course analyzes UK social policy as a political matter, introducing learners to one of government's largest expenditure areas. This includes examining welfare delivery methods and state-private sector dynamics. Optional courses from other fields are available, alongside Fundamentals of Social Policy, which develops essential academic skills for advanced study. Year 2 - The curriculum includes European Social Policy, comparing welfare approaches across Europe, plus Evidence, Politics and Policy and additional Fundamentals courses to build analytical capabilities for tackling contentious policy debates. Mandatory program-specific courses continue, with one elective option. Year 3 - Students can select from specialized courses addressing topics like family welfare, employment policies, social disparities, justice systems, healthcare, and education policy, alongside required research methodology training. Year 4 - Advanced social policy studies continue, culminating in an independent research project potentially utilizing data from entities like the EU Commission, UK/Scottish governments, local authorities, and nonprofit organizations.