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A Social Policy degree from the University of Birmingham equips you with the tools to analyse and tackle pressing societal issues like poverty, housing, and inequality. It blends rigorous academic study with practical opportunities, such as final-year work placements, ensuring you're prepared to make meaningful change locally and globally. Studying on Birmingham's vibrant campus sets the stage for shaping a better future.
Shape the future with our BA Social Policy awith Year Abroad programme. Understand key social challenges like poverty and health inequality, explore solutions, and make meaningful change. Gain real-world experience through our unique placement year, preparing you to transform society.
I’ve always been interested in politics and social justice and I wanted to study for a degree where I could develop the skills to build a career with an employer that embodies my values and beliefs. My degree continues to be relevant; it is so rewarding to see theories and concepts from our lectures in action as I work to implement real policy for social workers.
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in the UK for Social Policy
(Complete University Guide 2025)
The BA Social Policy with Year Abroad course at the University of Birmingham stands out for its blend of academic excellence and real-world impact. Rooted in one of the UK's leading research-intensive universities, it combines cutting-edge insights with practical applications, exploring how policies shape lives and address societal challenges. The programme’s unique mix of theory, practice, and innovation ensures a transformative learning experience.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
The BA Social Policy with Year Abroad course offers flexible learning through lectures, seminars, group work, optional placements and year-abroad opportunities tailored to diverse interests.
You will be assessed in a variety of ways across your degree. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. Assessment methods will vary within each module and may include: written coursework, such as essays, formal exams and group work.
You will have access to our comprehensive support system to help you make a smooth transition to university-level study.
Contact hours: For all undergraduate modules students usually attend 1 lecture and 1 seminar per week.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Options are available subject to timetable constraints and must be chosen so that equal credits are taken in each semester.
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Introduction to Social Policy | 20 | Semester 1 |
Philosophies of Welfare | 20 | Semester 1 |
Social Problems and Social Policy: Social Science in Action Part I | 10 | Semester 1 |
Social Research I (Part 1) A | 10 | Semester 1 |
Crime, Justice and Society | 20 | Semester 2 |
Introduction to Social Divisions | 20 | Semester 2 |
Social Problems and Social Policy: Social Science in Action Part 2 | 10 | Semester 2 |
Social Research I (Part 2) A | 10 | Semester 2 |
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
6,5,5 at Higher Level, to include English with a minimum of 32 points overall.
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are all considered.considered
all subjects considered; Standard offer: Distinction overall with A in the Core Component.
Number of A levels required: 3
General Studies: Not considered
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
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The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
A Social Policy with Year ABroad degree from the University of Birmingham showcases your ability to excel in a rigorous academic setting, globally. Employers value Birmingham graduates for their ambition, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and cultural awareness. As the top choice for leading graduate recruiters (High Fliers Research 2024), we offer countless opportunities to kickstart your career from day one, setting you apart in the competitive job market.
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.