MA Social Research (Local Government and Public Policy)

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 50%-60% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88, with at least 20 in Listening, 21 in Reading, 22 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67 with no individual score below 64.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Birmingham offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students with their studies. 

1. Academic Scholarships: These are awarded to students who achieve outstanding academic results. The scholarship amount varies depending on the course and level of study.
2. Sports Scholarships: These are awarded to students who excel in sports. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees and accommodation.
3. International Scholarships: These are awarded to international students who demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees and provides a maintenance allowance.
4. Subject-specific Scholarships: These are awarded to students studying certain subjects. The scholarship amount and eligibility criteria vary depending on the subject.

The University of Birmingham provides excellent facilities, is highly ranked, and offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students.

Graduates of the MA Social Research (Local Government and Public Policy) program find themselves well-prepared for rewarding careers in research and policy analysis within local government and public sectors. 

1. Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as policy analysts, evaluating and influencing policies in areas such as education, healthcare, and social welfare.

2. Research Officer: With expertise in social research, graduates may pursue roles as research officers in government departments or research organizations.

3. Public Affairs Consultant: Graduates can work as public affairs consultants, providing expertise on public policy and government relations.

4. Local Government Officer: Some graduates choose to work within local government, contributing to policy development and service improvement.

5. Policy Advocacy Specialist: Graduates may work as policy advocacy specialists, advocating for specific social issues and influencing policy decisions.