Studying policy at university
Example course modules
- Social research methods
- Social policy and the welfare state: theoretical perspectives
- The policy process
- Contemporary social policy issues
- Challenges of social policy issues
- Challenges of European politics
- Comparative politics and policy
- Understanding families and family life
- Criminology in the professions
- Ideology into practice
- Social engagement
Teaching hours / week
Average for this subject
Average for all subjects
Average hours for this subject: 11 (Low N/A - High N/A). Average hours for all subjects: 14.
The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.
Who studies this subject
What students say about policy
What you need to get on a course
Subjects you need
A-levels (or equivalent) usually required
- No Specific Requirements
Useful to have
- Sociology
- Politics
Application checklist
Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.
- January application
- October application
- Personal statement
- Portfolio
- Interview
- Entry test
- Work experience
- Audition
Personal statement advice
Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!
Personal statement tips and advice
Career prospects
Six months after graduating
- Welfare and housing associate professionals
Longer term career paths
Jobs where this degree is useful
- Housing officer
- Education or learning support officer
- Social policy adviser
Other real-life job examples
- Paralegal
- Social Researcher
- Probation officer
What employers like about this subject
A degree in social policy will help you to gain subject-specific skills including an understanding of social theory; how social issues and social policy influence one another, and society and skills in the generation, interpretation and evaluation of qualitative and quantitative data from social surveys and research. Transferable skills you can develop include communication, numeracy, problem-solving, IT and good time management. Social policy graduates find work across the economy, in industries including local and central government, lobbying and advocacy organisation, social care, hospitals, the probation service, schools, the law, and manufacturing.
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