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

This well-regarded dual degree program offers foundational knowledge in both Social Policy and Politics, two disciplines that mutually enhance one another.
First Year - Students will enroll in Social Policy & Society, focusing on three core concepts: societal needs, social challenges, and civil rights, exploring how welfare discussions have been shaped by these factors. The Politics of the Welfare State course analyzes UK social policy as a political matter, introducing learners to one of government's most significant expenditure areas. This course engages students with discussions about diverse welfare delivery methods and the relationship between public and private sectors. Optional courses from other fields are available, alongside Fundamentals of Social Policy, which develops essential academic skills for advanced study. Second Year - The curriculum includes European Social Policy, examining varied social policy frameworks across Europe. Evidence, Politics and Policy plus additional Fundamentals courses provide analytical tools for evaluating contentious policy matters in public discourse. Mandatory program-specific courses continue, with one elective option. Third Year - Students can select from specialized courses addressing topics like family welfare, employment policies, social disparities, justice systems, healthcare, and education policies. Research methodology coursework is also required. Fourth Year - Advanced social policy studies continue, culminating in an independent research project potentially utilizing data from sources like the EU Commission, UK and Scottish governments, local authorities, and nonprofit organizations.