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Study social policy abroad

Find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations then apply with reduced application fees, a free assessment and access to a dedicated advisor.

Find your perfect social policy programs abroad

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

Find other programs in social policy

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.

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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

Social Policy study abroad programs

Social policy undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in social policy

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    Community Advocacy and Social Policy (West Valley Campus) - BA Arizona State University (in partnership with Kaplan International), USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    32,760 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Community Advocacy and Social Policy
  • false

    Sociology with Social Policy - BSc (Hons) London South Bank University, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,900 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Sociology with Social Policy
  • false

    Social Policy - BA Massey University, New Zealand

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    27,330 NZD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    November, February, July
    Show program overview about Social Policy
  • false

    Social Policy (Belfast Campus) - BSc (Hons) Ulster University, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,840 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Social Policy - BSc (Hons)
  • false

    Sociology and Social Policy - BSc (Hons) Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,000 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Sociology and Social Policy - BSc (Hons)

Social policy graduate programs

Master's in social policy

  • false

    Social Policy - MA University of the South Pacific, Fiji

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    10,070 FJD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    July, February
    Show program overview about Master of Arts in Social Policy
  • false

    Social Policy - MRes Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    16,000 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Master of Research (Social Policy) - MRes
  • false

    Social Science: Rights and Social Policy - MSocSc Maynooth University, Ireland

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    14,000 EUR

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about MSOCSC SOCIAL SCIENCE (RIGHTS AND SOCIAL POLICY)
  • false

    Public Policy: Social Policy - MA American University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    34,596 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Public Policy: Social Policy
  • false

    Social Policy - MA Massey University, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    18 months
    Annual tuition fee
    31,010 NZD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    November, February, July
    Show program overview about Social Policy

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.