MA Social and Public Policy

Program Overview

The MA in Social and Public Policy at Leeds is an interdisciplinary program that explores the intersections of social theory, public policy, and the institutional frameworks that govern society. Students engage with both the theoretical foundations of social policy and the practical challenges of policy-making in a globalized world. The program covers a wide range of topics including poverty, inequality, healthcare, education, housing, and human rights, focusing on how policies can be designed and implemented to improve social outcomes. The course encourages students to critically examine the relationship between state policies and societal inequalities, while also providing the tools to analyze policy impacts, advocate for policy reforms, and contribute to the public good.

Curriculum: The MA in Social and Public Policy at Leeds offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates core modules with a wide array of optional courses. Core modules typically include Introduction to Social Policy, Social Research Methods, Global Social Policy, and Social Justice and Equality. These modules provide a strong foundation in the key areas of social policy theory and research methods, as well as the ethical and political dimensions of policy-making. In addition to the core modules, students can choose from a range of optional modules tailored to their specific interests. Topics such as Health and Social Care Policy, Comparative Social Policy, Environmental Policy, and Global Poverty and Development allow students to specialize in particular areas of public policy. The program culminates in a dissertation, offering students the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice within the field of social and public policy.

Research Focus: The MA in Social and Public Policy at Leeds is underpinned by the university’s strong emphasis on research excellence. Faculty members are experts in a wide range of policy-related fields, including health policy, welfare systems, international development, gender and social inequality, and social justice. Research within the program focuses on understanding the social determinants of policy outcomes and evaluating the effectiveness of various policy interventions. Leeds is home to several research centers, such as the Centre for Research in Social Policy and the Leeds Institute for Health and Social Care Research, where students can collaborate on cutting-edge projects. These research centers provide students with the opportunity to engage with ongoing research, attend seminars, and develop their own research projects in areas such as public health, education, housing, and poverty alleviation.

Industry Engagement: The MA in Social and Public Policy at Leeds offers strong industry engagement opportunities through partnerships with local government bodies, NGOs, think tanks, and international organizations. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, placements, and collaborative research projects with these industry partners, allowing them to apply their academic learning in real-world contexts. The university’s extensive network of professionals in the public and social policy sectors ensures that students gain valuable insights into the policy-making process and establish connections that can benefit their future careers. The program also includes guest lectures, workshops, and events where students can interact with policymakers, social researchers, and other experts, helping them develop practical skills and professional networks.

Global Perspective: The MA in Social and Public Policy at Leeds takes a global approach to social policy, acknowledging the interconnectedness of social issues in the modern world. The program examines the role of international organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, in shaping global policy agendas, while also addressing the unique social challenges faced by different regions. Students will explore comparative policy models, analyzing how different countries address issues such as poverty, healthcare, education, and climate change. This global perspective is particularly valuable for students who wish to work in international development, global advocacy, or policy research. Leeds offers a diverse and multicultural environment, enriching the learning experience by exposing students to a wide range of perspectives and global approaches to social and public policy.