Social and Public Policy 12 months Postgraduate Programme By University of York |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Starting Month

SepStarting Month

Programme overview

Main Subject

Social Policy and Administration

Degree

MA

Study Level

Master's

Study Mode

On Campus

Detailed study of social policy issues combined with research training.

The MA in Social and Public Policy will equip you with the skills and knowledge to analyse, critique and shape social and public policy.

You will critically engage with the theoretical and empirical dimensions of social and public policy development, drawing on different disciplinary traditions to understand policy-making in multiple contexts. You will gain detailed knowledge of policy processes, assessing the ways in which policy-making seeks to respond to complex social problems and exploring the location of policies in their wider institutional, social, political and economic context.

Your studies will enable you to engage in informed debate around the distribution of power and resources, and how this intersects with the interests and activities of policy actors, and influences policy outcomes. You will develop professional and digital skills including the retrieval, interpretation and presentation of evidence, and learn how to communicate and represent complex ideas to a range of audiences. Your independent research project provides an opportunity for you to apply your research design skills to an in-depth exploration of a policy-related topic.

As a graduate of this programme, you will be equipped to transfer your knowledge, insights and skills to your professional life. Our graduates work across the public, private and non-profit sectors, contributing to the public good and social progress in their chosen careers.

The MA in Social and Public Policy is based around a combination of social and public policy theory, analysis and research training. You'll start with a broad introduction to social and public policy analysis, key theoretical and conceptual tools and social research methods. After this you will then choose three option modules, which will examine different aspects of social and public policy in more detail. At the end of your studies you will have the opportunity to apply the skills that you have learned into practice through a dissertation, under the guidance of an individual supervisor.

Most people study full-time for 12 months, but part-time study over 24 months is also available.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Social Policy and Administration

Degree

MA

Study Level

Master's

Study Mode

On Campus

Detailed study of social policy issues combined with research training.

The MA in Social and Public Policy will equip you with the skills and knowledge to analyse, critique and shape social and public policy.

You will critically engage with the theoretical and empirical dimensions of social and public policy development, drawing on different disciplinary traditions to understand policy-making in multiple contexts. You will gain detailed knowledge of policy processes, assessing the ways in which policy-making seeks to respond to complex social problems and exploring the location of policies in their wider institutional, social, political and economic context.

Your studies will enable you to engage in informed debate around the distribution of power and resources, and how this intersects with the interests and activities of policy actors, and influences policy outcomes. You will develop professional and digital skills including the retrieval, interpretation and presentation of evidence, and learn how to communicate and represent complex ideas to a range of audiences. Your independent research project provides an opportunity for you to apply your research design skills to an in-depth exploration of a policy-related topic.

As a graduate of this programme, you will be equipped to transfer your knowledge, insights and skills to your professional life. Our graduates work across the public, private and non-profit sectors, contributing to the public good and social progress in their chosen careers.

The MA in Social and Public Policy is based around a combination of social and public policy theory, analysis and research training. You'll start with a broad introduction to social and public policy analysis, key theoretical and conceptual tools and social research methods. After this you will then choose three option modules, which will examine different aspects of social and public policy in more detail. At the end of your studies you will have the opportunity to apply the skills that you have learned into practice through a dissertation, under the guidance of an individual supervisor.

Most people study full-time for 12 months, but part-time study over 24 months is also available.

Admission Requirements

176+
6.5+
60+
120+
4.5+

For our latest entry requirements, please visit our course page. 

1 Year
Sep

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is also available to study part-time over two years. Find out more information via the course page.
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