The study of social policy has two broad dimensions. 

• the study of the differing views and opinions around how and in what way social issues and questions can be understood. 
• examining differing views around whether we should respond to those issues, and if so, in what ways could and should we respond.

In relation to the first dimension, some of the questions and issues social policy students examine are of a quite general and exploratory nature.  For example: 

• what is the nature of the relationship between citizens and the state? 
• How might social issues such as inequality, discrimination and crime, be understood?
• What are some of the key social issues raised by dynamics such as globalisation and environmental change?

Other social issues and questions are more specific, and those which lie at the heart of social policy often focus upon what is commonly referred to as peoples’ well-being.  Thus, social policy has taken a focus upon exploring issues associated with education, penal policy, the environment, health, income, housing, transport, leisure and personal social services. Of course within these broad areas, there are a wide range of specific and often very topical issues, which you will find frequently referred to in the press, on television and on the radio e.g. electronic tagging of offenders, student fees, women’s experiences of health services, provision for refugees, housing provision for young people, anti-social behaviour orders and curfews.

Social policy students explore issues using academic resources which are specific to social policy, together with an inter-disciplinary approach, that is, students also use elements of disciplines such as sociology, politics, criminology, social history, psychology, cultural studies, philosophy and international studies.

These perspectives are also used in the study of the second dimension of social policy, i.e. examining differing views around possible responses to social issues, exploring, for example, different political, sociological, philosophical and ethical points of view. Just as there are differences in opinion about how and in what ways social issues and questions can be understood, there are also differences in opinion around if and how we should respond.  For this second dimension of the degree, the focus is upon exploring questions such as: 

• how can society organise and structure say education or medical care to meet the widely differing needs of citizens? 
• How can the effectiveness of policies and institutions relating to the criminal justice system or schools be properly assessed?

Social issues and questions are frequently engaged with and responded to by key social institutions and agencies, both independently and collaboratively. Hence, the study of social policy involves examining the actions (or inaction) of a range of organisations and agencies such as: The World Health Organisation, European institutions, central government, Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly, local government, voluntary organisations and charities, businesses, local communities, organised interest groups and families. The activities of agencies which often have an indirect role and influence, such as the media, are also important.

Studying social policy not only involves examining different ways in which such organisations and agencies do respond to social issues and questions, but also exploring possible alternatives. In practical terms, this means, for example, looking at the sort of choices that are available to people like politicians, voluntary bodies, private institutions, professionals and indeed the public. These can be choices such as:  how  are,  and how could resources be spent?  Who is, and who could be involved in planning and developing services?  As a student of social policy, you will learn about how such choices are negotiated and made. You will also explore questions such as what are the consequences of such choices for different people and groups of people, and in the light of those outcomes, questions such as should those choices have been different? In the future you may well be making such difficult assessments and choices in your own work, and studying social policy will provide you with resources to think and make your own choices in a rigorous and well informed way.

In summary

Social Policy is a highly inter-disciplinary subject that combines elements from sociology, politics, international studies, social history, philosophy, psychology and cultural studies.  The study of Social Policy is thus both philosophical and grounded. The diverse range of subject areas that make up social policy, make it an ideal course of study for anyone with a broad interest in the social sciences but who is not settled on a definite course or career. The subject is also very appropriate for those who enjoy, or want to know more about current affairs and for those who may be concerned to make a contribution towards improving society, both locally and internationally. Social policy is also useful for those who would like to use their studies as a broad ranging means of contributing to their own personal development.

Read some of our graduate profiles and the careers these former students have pursued.

Richard

I took the single honours social policy degree. I decided to study social policy as it allowed me to study a wide range of subjects and issues. Over the course of my studies, I enjoyed the criminal justice and diversity modules. I graduated with a 2:1 and worked for a youth charity in London, providing after-school activities for young people and leadership training for hundreds of young adults, to enable them to work for the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) on their National Graduate Programme.

As part of the programme, I work in prisons directly with the residents and am on a fast-track scheme to becoming a prison governor working my way through the operational roles in prison. I feel that the knowledge and skills I gained from my degree, in addition to the fantastic support and guidance I had access to while at Birmingham, have aided me on my prestigious career path.

I would recommend the Social Policy BA to anyone looking to engage in interdisciplinary study.

Naqeeb Ahmed

Naqeeb studied Social Policy at Birmingham and over the course of his studies, particularly enjoyed exploring the theme of citizenship and how government policy affected the lives of citizens.  On leaving University, he wanted to work in an environment where he would be involved in key contemporary issues.  He therefore took up a research internship with the Young Foundation in London, which involved undertaking literature reviews, researching case studies and drafting articles, speeches and briefings.

He then moved on to Bellenden Public Affairs (BPA) where he was involved in providing communications and research support.  This included drafting political briefings and conducting media monitoring for clients such as UK Youth.  His internship at BPA was followed by an internship at Society Media.  Here, he provided project support for an initiative aimed at creating an index of the top 100 social enterprises in the UK.

Naqeeb now works for the Citizenship Foundation in London where his work involves coordinating the nationwide Young Muslim Leadership Network, an initiative designed to promote civic engagement amongst young people.  His role is very diverse and incorporates an element of project management and the implementation of governmental policy.  Naqeeb feels his achievements thus far are a testament to having studied in a first class academic environment, hard work, commitment and perseverance.

Caroline Cresswell

Caroline came to the University of Birmingham in 2005 and has since completed both the BA Social Policy and MA Social Research Programmes. She says "I've recently started my PhD here in Social Policy. The decision to come to university as a mature student has definitely changed the course of my life. There's not much else I'd rather be doing!

I am enjoying the autonomy of carrying out my own research whilst also being aware that support from within the department is here if necessary. The IASS has a friendly atmosphere making it a good working environment. It is also a very dyanamic and exciting department to be part of at the moment, given the breadth of research interests amongst the academic staff and students and success in the research ratings." 

Asha Kaur

Asha Kaur decided to study Social Policy at Birmingham because the subject provided opportunities to study contemporary issues, plus the flexibility to study a wide range of subject areas before deciding upon her future career direction.  Asha found the Social Policy department to be highly supportive and committed to their students and the subjects they taught.  After completing her degree, Asha decided to study law at Birmingham and gain legal qualifications; she found that many of the skills and areas of knowledge gained whilst studying Social Policy, formed an excellent preparation for studying law. 

After completing her legal studies Asha accepted a graduate position with a top legal head-hunting firm.  With a view to developing her career around issues to which she has a particular commitment, Asha has recently begun studying for a masters degree in International Human Rights Law; she also volunteers at the Refugee Council, blending her interests in Social Policy, Law and Social Justice.  Asha feels her degree in Social Policy provided her with excellent preparation for the world of graduate employment and thoroughly recommends it to anyone who has a passion for social justice and to those who are currently undecided about their career path.

Sam King

One of the features I valued most about the Social Policy programme at Birmingham University, was that it offered me a broad and varied programme of study; I particularly enjoyed the modules on criminal justice.  Studying at Birmingham was a fantastic time for me, I was able to combine an active social life with academic work.  The support and encouragement from staff really helped, and made for a very enjoyable three years.

Since then, I've completed the Masters in Social Research and a PhD, both at Birmingham.  I've been able to develop my interest in criminal justice, and have focused upon desistance from crime and the role of the Probation Service.  I've received great support from staff along the way, and have been given the opportunity to gain substantial teaching experience on a range of modules.  I feel confident that the experiences I've had while studying at Birmingham will stand me in good stead as I begin my academic career as a lecturer, and have fond memories of my time there.

Will Monaghan

Will Monaghan studied social policy at Birmingham University.  He had a particular interest in refugees and the way faith interacts with politics.  His dissertation focused on whether or not the government should fund faith schools.  In his final year he applied for several positions, all within the public sector, as he developed an interest in government services over the course of his Social Policy degree. 

Will is now working as the Cancer Commissioning Manager for Bristol Primary Care Trust, as part of the NHS graduate management training scheme.  As part of the training scheme, Will is undertaking a Masters degree in Health and Public Sector leadership based at Birmingham and Manchester Universities.  Will loved the time he spent with fellow social policy students and the parties that followed essay hand in days!  He continues to benefit from the things he learnt and the people he studied under at Birmingham.

George Wilson

George took the single honours social policy degree.  Over the course of his studies, George enjoyed the criminal justice modules and developed a particular interest in British Security Policy and Counter Terrorism, a topic which he choose to form the focus of his final year dissertation in which explored the impacts of Security Policies upon British Muslims.  During his degree, George also competed for the University of Birmingham men's football team, was a student representative and gained work experience at a top human rights law firm and the Metropolitan Police.

Graduating with a 2:1, the knowledge gained during his degree contributed to George’s success in the initial stages of an application to the Metropolitan police.  However, George was also offered a football scholarship at a prestigious university in North Carolina to complete a Master in Liberal Arts and Sciences which he accepted.  George feels that the knowledge and skills gained from his degree and the unparalleled support and guidance of his academic supervisors over his time in Birmingham have been the catalyst for an incredible 3 years, and would recommend the degree to anyone looking to engage in interdisciplinary study.

The term ‘advanced level studies’ refers to a very broad range of courses: 

• A levels 
• Access courses 
• AGNVQs 
• Diploma courses such as BTEC 
• AVCE’s 
• HNC’s 
• International or European baccalaureate

Links between Social Policy and social science advanced level studies

Social policy is concerned with analysing social issues and questions, and also with examining and evaluating possible responses to them.  In order to examine these questions, issues and responses, social policy takes an inter-disciplinary approach; which means that theories and ideas are used from a range of social science subjects, such as: sociology, politics, criminology, history, media studies; psychology and international studies, as well as theories and ideas which are specific to social policy itself. This means that there are firm links between a very broad range of advanced level social science courses and social policy.

What if you have taken non-social science subjects at advanced level?

If you have taken advanced level courses which are traditionally defined as ‘non-social science subjects’, nevertheless, you may be a person who is interested in exploring possibilities for changing direction when you move onto higher education. We welcome applications from people who are undertaking advanced level studies in a very wide range of subjects, such as:   theology, law, history, geography, philosophy, languages, biology, commerce, general studies or critical thinking. This is in part, because one of the most important features of advanced level studies, is that you develop a wide range of skills - how to  research a subject; critically analyse material, frame and present an argument and so on. These skills are transferable between subjects, and hence are relevant for, and can be developed and built upon in social policy degree courses. What is most important, is that you are really interested in and feel motivated by the prospect of studying social policy.

Advanced level study to Degree level study - which degree subject should I choose?

Many people select their degree subject on the basis of which advanced level subject they enjoyed most. Whilst this can be a positive choice, you do not necessarily have to take this course of action.   Many degree subjects are not available to study at advanced level.  Indeed, opportunities to study social policy at advanced level are not widely available; rather social policy is a subject more commonly available at degree level. This may be in part, because social policy is an inter-disciplinary subject.  It is important to be aware that at degree level there tends to be more cross-over between subjects than at advanced level and that on many degree courses students are able to take options from Departments other than their own. Hence, whatever subject you choose, your degree is likely to be inter-disciplinary to some extent. From the outset, social policy is an explicitly inter-disciplinary subject, and hence is a degree in which you can both combine and develop skills and interests that you have gained when studying at advanced level, and also add to and so broaden those interests and skills.

Social Policy lectures take many different forms.  This typical social policy lecture (opens in new window) is a first year social policy lecture.  Other Social Policy lectures take the form of talks followed by a workshop, others are combined with small group exercises, group discussions, seminars, project or placement work.

 

What form does teaching take?

A wide range of teaching methods and formats are used in social policy modules, these include

• Lectures
• Classes
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Web-based teaching and learning
• Supervised group and individual research
• Tutorials

How will my work be assessed?

All modules are assessed individually.  Methods of assessment include  written examinations, essays, reports, dissertations, quizzes and presentations.

Some modules are assessed using a combination of essays plus a written examination, a typical balance of assessment would be 50% for the examination, and 50% for one or two essays. Other modules are assessed solely via coursework.

All students undertake a research based dissertation during the third year of their degree. The dissertation can focus on a social issue or question of student’s choice, decided  in consultation with their supervisor. Students are supported in their dissertation work through both lectures and also a personal academic supervisor, the dissertation is worth 40% of final year degree marks.