Study social policy abroad

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Find your perfect social policy programs abroad

Find social policy programs you love that match your needs and aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.

Social Policy degrees abroad

Social policy is the study of social issues and government actions taken to manage them. It’s a broad field that includes elements of sociology, ethics, philosophy, psychology and economics.

As well as learning about the social inequalities that have existed throughout history, you’ll consider the contemporary challenges faced by communities today. You’ll use key concepts and theories to explore the causes and consequences of problems like poverty, unemployment, crime, homelessness and education. You’ll then evaluate how effective government policies have been at tackling such injustices.

By earning your degree abroad, you’ll see how social structures and government systems operate around the world. You’ll observe how social difficulties vary between countries and cultures, giving you a valuable international perspective.

Social Policy program structure

Bachelor’s degrees in social policy are normally studied over three years, but some courses will integrate an additional 12-month placement. Although BA and BSc programs cover similar ground, BSc courses will focus more on statistical techniques and data analysis.

Social policy can be combined with another subject and studied as a joint honors course. This is a great way of tailoring your education to reflect your interests and ambitions. Common pairings include politics, economics, sociology and international relations.

Most US universities follow the liberal arts model of education, meaning undergraduate courses last four years. You’ll take general education classes for the first half of your program, before declaring a major in social policy at the end of your second year.

Once you’ve finished your bachelor’s degree, you might decide to enroll in a postgraduate program. Master’s degrees can be studied over one or two years, whereas research-based PhDs take several additional years.

Your timetable will mainly be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and discussion-based workshops. Assessment methods will depend on the modules you take, but you’ll probably complete exams, essays and presentations.

The content of your program will largely depend on where you choose to study and the social issues present in that location. However, most courses will introduce you to the following fundamentals:

  • Introduction to social policy
  • Social policy and control
  • Health, care and wellbeing
  • Policy analysis
  • Poverty, class and inequality
  • Education, policy and social justice
  • Crime and society
  • Social research
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Best countries to study social policy

Social Policy study abroad programs

What are the top social policy undergraduate programs abroad?

See all undergraduate degrees in social policy abroad

What are the top social policy postgraduate programs abroad?

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Future social policy careers

As a social policy graduate, you’ll be ready to make a real difference to people’s lives through your daily work.

Your problem solving, critical thinking and analytical skills will be in high demand across a range of sectors, including healthcare, social services, government, education, and charity. Some of the roles you could pursue include:

  • Policy advisor
  • Civil service administrator
  • Social worker
  • Charity officer
  • Housing manager
  • Local government officer
  • Politician
  • International aid worker

If you’re unsure of what to do after graduation, contact your university’s careers service. They’ll help you figure out your interests, land some work experience, and sharpen your resume.

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Alternative social degrees