BSc International Social and Public Policy (L410)
2027 entry
Course summary
What do you think are the most important social and global issues? Where do you see injustice or inequality? What can our leaders do about them? What can you do about these issues?
The dynamics of social and public policies are highly complex and often have unforeseen consequences. This course gives you the tools to explore, analyse and critically evaluate policy issues in and across societies in a range of geographical and cultural contexts. International social and public policy draws on several disciplines, including economics, political science, sociology, development studies, behavioural science and philosophy, asking you to compare key ideas and theoretical frameworks.
This interdisciplinary, international degree integrates rigorous analysis of government policy with a deep understanding of broader global political, economic, and social transformations. At its core, the BSc International Social and Public Policy is designed to explore, analyse, and critically evaluate contemporary social and public policy issues within and across societies.
Course structure
In the first year, you will develop a foundational understanding of international social and public policy, including key concepts, theories, and ideologies. You will study comparative social and public policy and build core skills in research and policy analysis. Together, these competencies provide deeper insight into global inequalities and into how social, political, and economic issues are shaped and addressed nationally and internationally through public policy.
In the second year, you will deepen your understanding of policy-making, implementation, policy research, analysis, and the international political economy in global, national, and local contexts, addressing key public concerns from an international perspective. You will also be able to select from optional units across diverse international policy fields, with the opportunity to undertake a work-placement unit.
The final-year dissertation offers an opportunity to choose a topic for in-depth investigation and independent work. You will have opportunity to select from a range of optional units to deepen your understanding of international social and public policy.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for International Social and Public Policy can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement
Fees
Home students
- Year
- Year 1 fee
- 2027/28
- £10,050
International students
- Year
- Year 1 fee
- 2027/28
- £26,500
Further fees information
If you are studying an undergraduate course part-time, your tuition fee will normally be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee for the course.
Fees are subject to annual review and are liable to rise each year.
Home fees will be set in line with UK government policy and updated as per their guidance, while international fees increase annually in line with expected inflation rises.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.