Program Overview

Social Policy with Sociology - BSc (Hons)

Overview

This course explores the causes of social problems and how societies strive to address and resolve them. In an increasingly uncertain and fast-changing world, questions around human need, welfare, inequality, and distribution of resources are critical to social justice. These debates are at the heart of social policy and affect all our lives.

Award

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

School

School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences

Campus

Belfast campus

Start date

September 2026

Course duration

Part-time mode, typically five years

Attendance

Part-time students are required to complete a minimum of one module per semester but can choose to study a maximum of two modules per semester if they prefer. In one academic year, the minimum is 2 modules and the maximum is 4 modules.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

A variety of teaching and learning methods are used on the degree, including lectures, seminars, supervised group-work sessions, directed reading, blended learning using Blackboard Learn, case study work, directed electronic information retrieval, independent learning, and a work-based-learning opportunity to impart knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Modules

Year one

• Introduction to Sociology
• Introduction to Social Policy and Social Justice
• Making and Delivering Policy
• Contemporary Social Policy Issues
• Education: Policy and Practice (optional)

Year two

• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Social Survey Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Policies for Families and Children (optional)

Year three

• Classical sociological theory
• Contemporary Ireland
• Social Policy: Concepts and Theories
• Policy Analysis: Skills, Tools and Techniques

Year four

• International Social Policy

Year five

• Contemporary sociological theory
• Dissertation
• Global Inequalities: Issues and Challenges (optional)
• Gender and Social Policy (optional)
• Migration, 'Race' and Ethnicity (optional)
• Contemporary Issues in Health Policy (optional)
• Ageing and Society (optional)
• Mental health and disability (optional)
• The Environment, Social Justice and Sustainable Social Policy (optional)

Year six

• Media, Culture and Society (optional)
• Sociology of Education (optional)
• Sport in Society (optional)

Standard entry conditions

• A-level: Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE English Language grades A-C/ 4-9 or equivalent); and Provide evidence of passes in five subjects, two of which must be at A level (grades A-E) and three at GCSE level* (grades A-C/4-9); or Provide evidence of passes in four subjects, three of which must be at A level (grades A-E) and one at GCSE level* (grades A-C/4-9); or Provide evidence of an approved qualification at an equivalent level such as a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma or Access to Higher Education qualification or equivalent; or Provide evidence, for a process of formal accreditation by the University, of learning you have gained through work or other experience.
• GCSE: You must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass in English Language at grade C or above (or equivalent).
• English Language Requirements: The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Careers & opportunities

• Graduate employers: Graduates from this course are now working for Civil Service, Health & Social Care Trusts, Voluntary Organisations, Community Youth Organisations, NI Housing Executive, Borough Councils, and NI Equality Commission.
• Job roles: With this degree, you could become a Community Development Coordinator, Social Researcher, Policy Analyst, Equality Officer, Charity Campaign Manager, Advice Worker, or Research Assistant.
• Career options: Our Social Policy courses will provide you with a knowledge and understanding of contemporary social policy, a training in social research methods, the ability to apply theoretical perspectives and concepts to real-life problems, and an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of social problems and society.

Fees and funding

• 2026/27 Fees: Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.
• Scholarships, awards, and prizes: We actively encourage our students to compete for a number of prizes and awards. The annual 'Dean's List' recognises excellence in years 1 and 2 for students attaining a year average of 70% or above. The 'Extern Annual Award' for Best Placement is awarded at a special pre-graduation ceremony on Graduation Day, as is The 'George Mitchell Memorial Award' for the best final year Dissertation.

Additional mandatory costs

• This course is a 'regulated and/or care position' within the meaning of the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (NI) Order 2003 (POCVA) and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. It may involve access to children and/or vulnerable adults and is therefore subject to an Access NI criminal history check, the fee for which is £33.