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

This well-regarded dual degree program offers foundational knowledge in both Social Policy and Sociology, two disciplines that mutually enhance and inform 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 students to one of government's most significant expenditure areas. This includes examining 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, comparing welfare approaches across Europe, plus Evidence, Politics and Policy along with additional Fundamentals courses to build analytical capabilities for tackling contentious policy debates. Mandatory program-specific courses continue, with one elective option. Third Year - Students can select specialized courses in areas like family welfare, employment policies, social disparities, justice systems, healthcare, and education policy, alongside required research methodology training. Fourth Year - Advanced social policy studies culminate in an independent research project, potentially utilizing data from entities like the EU Commission, UK/Scottish governments, local councils, and nonprofit organizations.