Program Overview

Master of Arts (MA) in Social Policy

The Master of Arts in Social Policy programme was introduced in 2008, marking a shift from a purely research-focused organization to building the capacity of social policy practitioners and academics. Graduates of this programme are equipped with skills for critical analysis of social policy and to design relevant social development interventions.

Key Facts

• Start date: Not specified
• Application deadline: 14th August 2026
• Duration: Two semesters
• Annual intake:
  • 2021/2022 - 5 students
  • 2022/2023 - 5 students
  • 2023/2024 - 5 students
  • 2024/2025 - 8 students
  • 2025/2026 - 14 students
• Minimum entry requirement: Second-class lower or better in any discipline
• Location and format: University of Ghana, Legon Campus (in-person classes)

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for MA Social Policy is a lower second-class degree or equivalent in any discipline. Competition for places is high, and meeting the minimum entry requirement does not guarantee an offer of admission. Candidates must also pass an entrance examination and interview.

Fees and Funding

The MA in Social Policy is a fee-paying programme. Fees are available at the College of Humanities.

Programme Structure and Courses

The MA Social Policy is a two-semester programme that offers a maximum of five courses, both core and elective, each semester. Lectures for all courses are delivered through slide presentations, interactive discussions, and group work.

Courses

Semester 1

• Core:
  • Seminar
  • Research Methods
  • Human Rights and Human Development
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Theoretical Perspectives in Social Policy
• Electives:
  • Social Mobilization and Volunteerism
  • Special Issues in Vulnerability

Semester 2

• Core:
  • Economics of Social Policy
  • Managing Social Conflicts and Consensus Building
  • Social Protection in Practice
  • Practical Training
  • Dissertation
• Electives:
  • Child Rights and Protection
  • Decentralization and Social Policy
  • Gender and other Social Diversity Issues

Fieldwork

Each year, MA Social Policy students undertake a practical fieldwork exercise after selecting a relevant policy issue of interest. Students visit some districts in Ghana for data collection and analysis. The findings of the week-long fieldwork are submitted as a report for grading. The field exercise gives students practical training in social policy-related work and prepares them to write their individual dissertations at the end of the twelve-month programme.