Social and Public Policy, MA

Program Overview

Social and Public Policy, MA

An interdisciplinary programme with a focus on justice and social change, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to pursue policy-relevant careers locally, nationally and internationally.

Overview

Our MA Social and Public Policy takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the urgent challenges facing communities and policymakers around the world. It equips students to critically understand how social and public policy is made and how welfare states are governed. It also provides rich insights into the social, economic, cultural and technological factors driving global change and how these factors shape inequalities and struggles over welfare rights. We explore social policy as a space in which multiple actors – e.g. state bureaucracies, community groups, political parties, NGOs, corporations – intersect to frame, address or marginalise different social needs and problems.

School

Humanities and Social Sciences

Location

Greenwich Campus

Duration

• 1 years full-time
• 2 years part-time

Start month

September

Fees

• Home: £11,325
• International: £17,975

What you should know about this course

• This MA is ideal for those who want to gain expertise in the contested field of social and public policy and deliver positive social change
• You will be taught by experts in the field of social and public policy with extensive experience in research and practice
• You will interact with guest experts in the field and participate alongside academic colleagues in organising relevant events and activities on current topics and debates
• You will gain valuable knowledge and skills through innovative curriculum content and teaching methods that link theory and practice, and stimulate critical thinking
• You will study in a fast-paced environment, with access to key organisations (policy-makers, NGOs, think tanks, and research institutions) in the heart of London.

Course content

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules:

• Understanding Social and Public Policy (30 credits)
• Research Skills and Methods (30 credits)
• Policy, Inequality and Society (30 credits)
• Law and Economics for Social and Public Policy (30 credits)
• Dissertation/Research Project (60 credits)

Entry requirements

UK citizens and permanent residents

• An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above, in a relevant Humanities or Social Science subject.
• Other subject areas may also be considered.

International entry requirements

• The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
• For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.

How you will learn

Teaching

• Teaching will typically take place through lectures, seminars and workshops that combine the critical discussion and analysis of theoretical concepts and debates with their practical application through exercises, group-work, simulations and problem-solving tasks.
• These activities will be supplemented by hands-on experience through visits to - and collaborative work with - relevant organisations.

Class sizes

• This course will run for the first time in September 2025 so we are unable to give an indication of class sizes.

Independent learning

• Outside of timetabled sessions, you will need to dedicate time to independent study to prepare key readings, research, presentations, course work and other required tasks.
• Our Stockwell Street library and online resources will support your further reading and research.
• You are also encouraged to participate in the extra-curricular activities organised by the research centres grouped under the Institute for Inclusive Communities and Environments.
• The University of Greenwich Students' Union also offers the opportunity to join a wide range of student societies.

Overall workload

• Your overall workload will consist of the timetabled contact hours (lectures, seminars, workshops), independent learning, and assessment preparation and submission.
• If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job.
• For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion to the number of modules you are studying.

Assessment

• On this course, students will be assessed though a combination of essays, reports, presentations, reflective pieces and practical and creative projects that encourage the development of nuanced expertise in the field, knowledge of relevant research methods, and strong critical, analytical, communication, digital and creative skills.
• The course culminates with an extensive research project in the form of a dissertation developed with the support of a supervisor.

Careers and placements

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

• The course prepares students for careers in the public sector (e.g. civil service, governmental organisations, social work, probation) in the NGO sector (e.g. charities, research organisations, think tanks), in inter-governmental organisations, and in public and private sector management, advocacy, education and political communication.

Do you provide employability services?

• Employability activities take place all the time at Greenwich and students are encouraged to take part in as many opportunities as possible.
• The central Employability and Careers Service provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops.
• In addition, your School has a dedicated Employability Officer who will be organising work-related activities throughout the year which will help you to build your industry knowledge and networks.

Accommodation

Greenwich

• Living in halls of residence is a great way to make new friends and get into the social side of university life.
• With four great locations, all minutes away from the campus and the centre of historic Greenwich , you will be at the heart of one of the most beautiful university settings in the UK.
• Rooms start at £146.30/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills, access to our on-campus gym and 24-hour security - and just a 10-minute train journey to central London.
• Students based at our Greenwich campus can also choose to live the Student Village at Avery Hill, which is only a short ride on our free shuttle bus.

Support and advice

Academic skills and study support

• We want you to make the most of your time with us.
• You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
• Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English.
• If you need any particular IT packages support for a specific module, we provide training for that.

Support from the department

• The School of Humanities and Social Sciences provides pastoral support throughout your studies with us.
• Students have a personal tutor and access to training in study skills, dissertation preparation, methods and ethics, and have access to advice on careers.
• You will be able to access research facilities available in London, especially our Stockwell Street Library in Greenwich and the British Library.
• You will be supported further by our teaching team, who will encourage you to access public events and conferences, research seminars, panel debates and exhibitions across London.