Social and Public Policy

Browse social sciences courses in UK

School of Sociology and Social Policy · Social sciences

Understand the forces that shape society and develop the knowledge and skills to influence them. This course explores issues, concepts, and debates in social and public policy research, and how government decisions shape society and affect people’s everyday lives. On this course, you’ll engage with social theories, issues and research methods relevant to social and public policy. You’ll understand how policies are developed, analysed and evaluated. You’ll examine real-world issues such as work and welfare, migration, family and child policy, and the challenges of ageing populations, with a focus on real-life examples. An MA in Social and Public Policy from Leeds prepares you for a career in which understanding social change and influencing decision-making matter. Graduates go on to work in central and local government, charities, NGOs, think tanks, international organisations, research, policy analysis and advocacy. Others progress to postgraduate study. Wherever your path leads, you’ll graduate ready to engage with some of the most complex and pressing social challenges of our time. Student profile: Sama Hassan "Think about your true passion, what topic engages you and makes you question the things around you the most, and if the answer is always societies and policies then this program is the one for you." Sama Hassan, Social and Public Policy MA Why study at Leeds - Study issues at the centre of political and social debate: Both UK and global issues are taught on the programme, led by expert academics and connected to internationally recognised research centres. - Research-intensive environment: Learn in a vibrant, research‑intensive environment with teaching informed by research. The Leeds Social Sciences Institute fosters collaboration, so you’ll benefit from the interdisciplinary expertise hosted by the Centre for Disability Studies, Centre for Ethnicity and Racism Studies, Centre for Interdisciplinary Gender Studies, the Centre for Research on Families, Life Course and Generations, and The Bauman Institute. - Tailor your degree to your interests: Choose from a broad range of optional modules, from disability, gender and racism studies to globalisation. - Develop strong critical, analytical and research skills: Transferable and highly valued across a wide range of careers. Rankings and awards Top 20 in the UK for Sociology & Social Policy, The Guardian University League Tables 2025 Top 100 in the world for Social Policy and Administration, QS World Rankings by Subject 2026 Where this degree could take you Throughout this course, you’ll develop a powerful mix of knowledge and practical skills, including advanced research, clear communication and critical analysis. These skills will enable you to understand complex social issues, evaluate policy decisions and make strong, evidence‑based arguments – capabilities that are highly sought after by employers. MA graduates in Social and Public Policy go on to careers in central and local government, shaping and delivering public services, while others build careers in charities, NGOs and community organisations, focusing on social change. Opportunities also extend into housing, health, research consultancies, advocacy, campaigning and the private sector – where understanding society, influencing decision‑making and creating meaningful impact matter. Career support Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change

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