Social and Public Policy, MA
An interdisciplinary programme with a focus on justice and social change, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to pursue policy-relevant careers locally, nationally and internationally.
Our MA Social and Public Policy takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the urgent challenges facing communities and policymakers around the world. It equips students to critically understand how social and public policy is made and how welfare states are governed. It also provides rich insights into the social, economic, cultural and technological factors driving global change and how these factors shape inequalities and struggles over welfare rights. We explore social policy as a space in which multiple actors – e.g. state bureaucracies, community groups, political parties, NGOs, corporations – intersect to frame, address or marginalise different social needs and problems.
Student experience and achievement is at the heart of our teaching, which is informed by leading research and collaboration with external organisations. The interdisciplinary and practical nature of the course design supports students in acquiring content specific knowledge as well as in developing of a strong portfolio of skills that would enable graduates to remain competitive in the global work market.
The programme encourages active student participation and co-creation of knowledge through curricular and extra-curricular activities such as policy analysis and development, networking with leading academic and practice-based guest speakers, as well participation in and co-organisation of relevant events. Teaching on the programme employs innovative and inclusive methods such as simulations and role-play, problem-solving tasks, and collaborative real-life projects. Students will develop nuanced expertise in the field, confident knowledge of relevant research methods, and strong critical, analytical, communication, creative and digital skills.
Location
Duration
- 1 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
Start month
September
2025/26 fees
To be confirmedWhat you should know about this course
What you will study
Subject to validation
We continually develop new courses to reflect the needs of students, employers, and professional bodies. This course is currently subject to the final stage of our approval and validation process.
In the unlikely event that the course is not approved before the start date, we will help you find an alternative course.
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules:
- Understanding Social and Public Policy (30 credits)
- Research Skills and Methods (30 credits)
- Policy, Inequality and Society (30 credits)
- Law and Economics for Social and Public Policy (30 credits)
- Dissertation/Research Project (60 credits)
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above, in a relevant Humanities or Social Science subject.
Other subject areas may also be considered.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Applicants with professional qualifications and/or four years of full-time work experience may be considered on an individual basis. If you hold qualifications or courses from another higher education institution, these may exempt you from courses of this degree.
How you will learn
Teaching
Teaching will typically take place through lectures, seminars and workshops that combine the critical discussion and analysis of theoretical concepts and debates with their practical application through exercises, group-work, simulations and problem-solving tasks. These activities will be supplemented by hands-on experience through visits to - and collaborative work with - relevant organisations.
Class sizes
This course will run for the first time in September 2025 so we are unable to give an indication of class sizes.
Independent learning
Overall workload
Your overall workload will consist of the timetabled contact hours (lectures, seminars, workshops), independent learning, and assessment preparation and submission. If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion to the number of modules you are studying.
Assessment
On this course, students will be assessed though a combination of essays, reports, presentations, reflective pieces and practical and creative projects that encourage the development of nuanced expertise in the field, knowledge of relevant research methods, and strong critical, analytical, communication, digital and creative skills. The course culminates with an extensive research project in the form of a dissertation developed with the support of a supervisor.
Feedback summary
In accordance with the University policy, we aim to provide feedback to assessments within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
Fees and funding
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
2025/26 fees
To be confirmed.Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
The course prepares students for careers in the public sector (e.g. civil service, governmental organisations, social work, probation) in the NGO sector (e.g. charities, research organisations, think tanks), in inter-governmental organisations, and in public and private sector management, advocacy, education and political communication.
Do you provide employability services?
Employability activities take place all the time at Greenwich and students are encouraged to take part in as many opportunities as possible. The central Employability and Careers Service provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops. In addition, your School has a dedicated Employability Officer who will be organising work-related activities throughout the year which will help you to build your industry knowledge and networks.
Accommodation
Greenwich
Living in halls of residence is a great way to make new friends and get into the social side of university life. With four great locations, all minutes away from the campus and the centre of historic Greenwich , you will be at the heart of one of the most beautiful university settings in the UK.
Rooms start at £146.30/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills, access to our on-campus gym and 24-hour security - and just a 10-minute train journey to central London. Students based at our Greenwich campus can also choose to live the Student Village at Avery Hill, which is only a short ride on our free shuttle bus.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre. Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English. If you need any particular IT packages support for a specific module, we provide training for that.
Support from the department
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences provides pastoral support throughout your studies with us. Students have a personal tutor and access to training in study skills, dissertation preparation, methods and ethics, and have access to advice on careers. You will be able to access research facilities available in London, especially our Stockwell Street Library in Greenwich and the British Library. You will be supported further by our teaching team, who will encourage you to access public events and conferences, research seminars, panel debates and exhibitions across London.
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