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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

      See all universities offering social policy programs

      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

      3. Visa & travel advice

        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.
      Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

      Start your search Get free advice

      Social policy study abroad programs

      Social policy undergraduate programs

      Bachelor's in social policy

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        Political Science: Public Policy and Law Track - BA Seattle Pacific University, USA

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        44,604 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 44,604 USD

        Start date
        January, March, September
        Show program overview about Political Science: Public Policy and Law Track
      • false

        Public Policy - BA University of Illinois at Chicago, USA

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        29,800 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 29,800 USD

        Start date
        January, May, August
        Show program overview about Public Policy
      • false

        Public Service and Public Policy (American Indian Studies) - 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 (American Indian Studies)
      • false

        Social Policy with Criminology - BSc (Hons) Ulster University, UK

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        3 years
        Annual tuition fee
        19,676 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 14,480 GBP

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

        Social Impact Ministries - BA Gordon College, USA

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        25,250 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 25,250 USD

        Start date
        August, January
        Show program overview about Social Impact Ministries
      See all bachelor's degrees in social policy

      Associate in social policy

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        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
      • false

        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)
      See all associate degrees in social policy

      Social policy graduate programs

      Master's in social policy

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

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        18 months
        Annual tuition fee
        24,600 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

        Global Management (Public Policy) - MGM Arizona State University, USA

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        25,714 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 25,714 USD

        Start date
        August
        Show program overview about Global Management (Public Policy)
      • false

        Public Policy - Public Management - MPP University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        22,895 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 22,895 USD

        Start date
        January, August
        Show program overview about Public Policy - Public Management
      • 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

        Regulatory Affairs for Drugs, Biologics, & Medical Devices (Boston Campus) - MSc Northeastern University, USA

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        16,155 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 16,155 USD

        Start date
        January
        Show program overview about Regulatory Affairs for Drugs, Biologics, & Medical Devices (Boston Campus)
      See all master's degrees in social policy

      Doctorate in social policy

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        Public Policy - Urban policy - PhD University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA

        Program type
        Doctorate
        Duration
        3 years
        Annual tuition fee
        22,896 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 22,896 USD

        Start date
        August
        Show program overview about Public Policy - Urban policy
      • false

        Social Policy - PhD University of Chichester, UK

        Program type
        Doctorate
        Duration
        3 years
        Annual tuition fee
        18,956 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 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
      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
        19,296 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

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        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.