| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Program Overview
The University of Strathclyde offers a BA Hons Social Policy & Economics program, which examines the ways in which societies distribute resources and develop services to meet individual and social needs. The program combines social policy and economics, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the social and economic challenges facing Scottish society and the world at large.
Program Structure
The program is a four-year course, with the first year providing a foundation in social policy and economics. The second year builds on this foundation, with students taking core classes in microeconomics and macroeconomics, as well as social policy classes that explore the historical development of social policy in Scotland. In the third year, students choose optional classes based on the specialism of a member of staff, and in the fourth year, students take a core module on global challenges facing social policy and complete a dissertation.
Course Content
The program covers a range of topics, including:
- Social policy and society in contemporary Scotland
- Private issues and public problems
- Scottish social policy since 1845
- Key concepts in social welfare
- The making of social policy
- Introduction to economics
- Microeconomics and macroeconomics
- Management development programme
- Research methods in social policy
- Comparative social policy: theories, methods, and analysis
- Global challenges
- Dissertation
Entry Requirements
The standard entry requirements for the program are:
- Highers: AAAA (first sitting) or AAAAB (second sitting)
- A Levels: ABB-BBB
- International Baccalaureate: 32-30
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Two H2 passes and three H3 passes, including English
- HNC: Social Sciences A in Graded Unit; Maths National 5 B, or equivalent
- International students: View the entry requirements for your country
Fees and Funding
The tuition fees for the program are:
- Scotland: £1,820
- England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: £9,535
- Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland fee status
- International: £21,550
- University preparation programme fees: International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre
Careers
The program prepares students for a range of careers, including:
- Local and national government policy development and research
- Regional and urban development
- Business administration and management
- Third sector/charity research and policy development
- Children's services
- Education
- Health and social welfare
- Protective services
- Economist
- Auditor
- Management accountant
- Business analyst
- Investment analyst
- Risk consultant
- Commercial manager
Learning and Teaching
The program uses a range of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Team-based projects
- Online materials
- Practical labs
- Online wikis
- Problem-based learning
- Interactive sessions using personal response systems
- Guest lectures from industry and international partners
Assessment
The program uses a range of assessment methods, including:
- Exams
- Coursework
- Group work
- Presentations
- Dissertations
Placements
The program offers students the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience through a credit-bearing work placement class in their third or fourth year.
International Students
The University of Strathclyde has a thriving international community, with students coming from over 140 countries. International students can find out more about the program and the university's international community on the university's website.
