Welcome to Social Policy at Birmingham

We have compiled some useful information, links and resources to help you gain more of an understanding of what studying Social Policy at Birmingham is like.

Why study Social Policy at the University of Birmingham?

We are ranked 10th for Social Policy in The Complete University Guide 2023.
Unique to Birmingham, our Social Policy degree provides the opportunity to experience Social Policy in practice, with a work-based placement module in the second year, as well as a further opportunity to undertake a final year work placement via the ‘Professional Development’ module.
You will gain an understanding of the nature of social issues in the UK and beyond, encouraging you to think about the causes and consequences of social problems and the possible solutions to these challenges.

What programmes are on offer?

Campus - Old Joe viewed from the green heart

Having spent most of my pre-university education in Hong Kong, my interests in contemporary global issues had brought me to exploring my options of studying abroad - in areas such as Economics or Political Science. It was UOB’s PPE course that attracted me the most. From the people I have met, to the flexibility within the course and the interdisciplinarity it comes with, I feel equipped with a dynamic mindset, a rewarding attribute when approaching real-world problems.
Eugene, BA Policy, Politics and Economics

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM?

The University of Birmingham is a fantastic choice for your academic study. Our thriving campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, excellent facilities, and huge variety of exciting extracurricular activities will quickly make you feel at home.

Discover more about what living and learning is really like at Birmingham by reading our students’ blogs as they are the best people to ask after all!

Birmingham: the city that’s got it all! As the second biggest city in the UK, Birmingham was the definitely the right choice. As well as the busy city centre, packed with shops, restaurants and bars, there are also plenty of green spaces in the surrounding areas, so you really do get the best of both worlds!
Danielle, 4th year International Business with Language student

Clubs and societies

Whether it’s a hobby you have had for years, or you’re looking to try something new, there are over 500 societies to choose from at the University of Birmingham – meaning there is something for everyone!

Find out more about the clubs and societies on offer.

Your career

At Birmingham, we have a dedicated careers service, Careers Network, that can provide you with guidance and support to help you succeed after university. The service offers 1:1 consultations, workshops, fairs, and more to help you make the most of your time at University. During the first year of your studies Careers Advisers from the University Careers Network team will attend lectures on your course to support you with career planning from an early stage.

You will have the unique opportunity to take advantage of a work placement as part of your final year by undertaking the Professional Development Module as part of your optional module choices.

Learn more about the career support available at Birmingham.

Student support

Coming to University is a big life change – and there might be times where you need extra support. Here at the University of Birmingham, there is plenty of support available to students to help with anything from stress to money advice, study support, and more.

Find out more about the wide range of student support services which are available.

podcasts to listen to

The Forgotten Convicts Podcast

A podcast about the lives of convicts transported to Australia in the 19th century. Presented by Dr. Emma Watkins, Historian and Criminologist at the University of Birmingham.

The Sociology Show Podcast by Matthew Wilkin

Interviews with a range of leading Sociologists to discuss key matters within society.

Social Science Bites by SAGE Publishing

Covering topics from psychology to behavioural economics to inequality.

Online material

Discover Society

An online journal which cuts across politics, economics, sociology, criminology and social policy, covering lots of topical debates and discussions which will be relevant to your studies

The Conversation

A website which contains short, journalistic articles on a range of subjects written by academics. They are a great way to keep up with current academic debates

meet our undergraduate students

Chat with our students online and learn more about living in the second city of the United Kingdom. They are here to share their tips about studying and student life, to help you to explore our city and campus, and answer any questions you might have along the way.

our campus

If you have ever visited our campus, you can probably understand why so many students choose to study at Birmingham.

We offer the best of both worlds: our campus is not only a green and picturesque place to learn, but it's also a thriving hub of student life. Additionally, it's located just a stone’s throw away from the city centre. This proximity is perfect for students seeking a balance between a vibrant city life and a serene campus experience.

Take a virtual tour of campus

Campus Tour

We know it’s important that you get a chance to visit your future university and a campus tour is the perfect way to explore our beautiful campus and get that Birmingham feeling. Campus tours for visitors interested in Undergraduate study take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11.00 am and 2.00 pm. The walking tours are led by an undergraduate student currently studying at the University.

Book a Campus Tour

Our campus, our heart

the next steps

In order to accept and secure your place, you must respond to your offer by the date stated in your offer letter. This deadline refers to your acceptance of the offer, not the fulfilment of conditions. To respond to the offer, click on the ‘Respond to Offer’ link within your applicant portal.

Explore how we make offers

Student taking notes at a table