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    Study social policy abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying social policy as an international student.

    Find social policy programs

    Explore social policy programs abroad

    See 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.

    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

    Best countries to study social policy

    Best universities to study social policy

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    How to study social policy abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

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      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Social policy study abroad programs

    Social policy undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in social policy

    • false

      Public Service and Public Policy (Social Services Delivery) - BSc Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,834 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,834 USD

      Start date
      January, May, August
      Show program overview about Public Service and Public Policy (Social Services Delivery)
    • false

      Business Administration: Law and Public Policy - BBA Gonzaga University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      48,990 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 48,990 USD

      Start date
      August, January, May
      Show program overview about Business Administration: Law and Public Policy
    • false

      Canadian Public Policy - BA Mount Allison University, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,511 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,200 CAD

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

      Communications and Public Policy - BA St. Thomas University, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,067 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,389 CAD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Communications and Public Policy
    • false

      Sociology and Social Policy - BA (Hons) University of Stirling, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,324 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,450 GBP

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Sociology and Social Policy
    See all bachelor's degrees in social policy

    Associate in social policy

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      Law, Public Policy, and Society (for Transfer) - AA San Jose City College, USA
      • Blended learning

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      8,138 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 8,138 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Law, Public Policy, and Society (for Transfer)
    • false

      Liberal Arts & Sciences: Public Policy - ASc Mohawk Valley Community College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      6,892 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 6,892 USD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Liberal Arts & Sciences: Public Policy
    See all associate degrees in social policy

    Diploma in social policy

    • false

      Social Policy - Dip (Arts) Massey University, New Zealand

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      19,270 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 27,330 NZD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Social Policy
    See all undergraduate diplomas in social policy

    Social policy graduate programs

    Master's in social policy

    • false

      Commerce with Social Impact (12 subjects) - MComm Charles Sturt University, Melbourne, Australia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      23,613 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,936 AUD

      Start date
      March, July, November
      Show program overview about Commerce with Social Impact (12 subjects)
    • false

      Commerce with Social Impact (16 subjects) - MComm Charles Sturt University, Sydney, Australia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      23,613 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,936 AUD

      Start date
      March, July, November
      Show program overview about Commerce with Social Impact (16 subjects)
    • false

      Drug Regulatory Affairs - MSc Long Island University Brooklyn, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,618 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,618 USD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Drug Regulatory Affairs
    • false

      Drug Regulatory Affairs - MSc University of Nicosia, Cyprus
      • Online

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      7,156 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 6,030 EUR

      Start date
      February, June, September
      Show program overview about Drug Regulatory Affairs
    • false

      Public Policy Analysis - MCert University of Regina, Canada

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      7,484 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,386 CAD

      Start date
      January, May, September
      Show program overview about Public Policy Analysis
    See all master's degrees in social policy

    Doctorate in social policy

    • false

      Public Policy - PhD University of Regina, Canada

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      11,209 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,058 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Public Policy
    • false

      Social Policy - PhD University of Chichester, UK

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,411 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,950 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Social Policy
    See all doctorates in social policy

    Diploma in social policy

    • false

      Public Policy - PGDip Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      9 months
      Annual tuition fee
      21,907 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,071 NZD

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

      Public Policy and International Relations - PGDip University of California, Riverside Extension, USA

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      9 months
      Annual tuition fee
      18,200 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,200 USD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Public Policy and International Relations
    • false

      Social Policy and Practice - PGDip Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
      • Online

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      14,726 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,408 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Social Policy and Practice
    See all postgraduate diplomas in social policy

    Certificate in social policy

    • false

      Regulatory Affairs - PGCert Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      19,604 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 24,588 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Regulatory Affairs
    See all postgraduate certificates in social policy

    Pathway in social policy

    • false

      Regulatory Affairs for Drugs, Biologics, and Medical Devices (Global Pathways) - PGP Northeastern University, USA

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      4 months
      Annual tuition fee
      15,200 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,200 USD

      Start date
      March, July, November
      Show program overview about Regulatory Affairs for Drugs, Biologics, and Medical Devices (Global Pathways)
    See all postgraduate pathways in 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.