Social and Public Policy MA

Course overview

Understand the forces that shape society and develop the knowledge and skills to influence them.

This course explores issues, concepts, and debates in social and public policy research, and how government decisions shape society and affect people’s everyday lives.

On this course, you’ll engage with social theories, issues and research methods relevant to social and public policy. You’ll understand how policies are developed, analysed and evaluated. You’ll examine real-world issues such as work and welfare, migration, family and child policy, and the challenges of ageing populations, with a focus on real-life examples.

An MA in Social and Public Policy from Leeds prepares you for a career in which understanding social change and influencing decision-making matter.

Graduates go on to work in central and local government, charities, NGOs, think tanks, international organisations, research, policy analysis and advocacy. Others progress to postgraduate study. Wherever your path leads, you’ll graduate ready to engage with some of the most complex and pressing social challenges of our time.

Why study at Leeds

• Study issues at the centre of political and social debate: Both UK and global issues are taught on the programme, led by expert academics and connected to internationally recognised research centres.
• Research-intensive environment: Learn in a vibrant, research‑intensive environment with teaching informed by research. The Leeds Social Sciences Institute fosters collaboration, so you’ll benefit from the interdisciplinary expertise hosted by the Centre for Disability Studies, Centre for Ethnicity and Racism Studies, Centre for Interdisciplinary Gender Studies, the Centre for Research on Families, Life Course and Generations, and The Bauman Institute.
• Tailor your degree to your interests: Choose from a broad range of optional modules, from disability, gender and racism studies to globalisation.
• Develop strong critical, analytical and research skills: Transferable and highly valued across a wide range of careers.

‘Think about your true passion, what topic engages you and makes you question the things around you the most, and if the answer is always societies and policies then this program is the one for you. ‘

Sama Hassan, Social and Public Policy MA

Course details and modules

From the start of the programme, you’ll study core modules that introduce you to the social contexts and social problems that challenge policymakers and develop your understanding of social research. As the course develops, you’ll focus more specifically on the process of social policy formation, and the kinds of evidence on which new policies and programmes are founded, and how their effectiveness is evaluated.

You’ll gain a thorough understanding of research methods, the theoretical assumptions which underpin them and how these affect the way the findings are interpreted. You’ll also focus on specific examples such as welfare reform or employment activation policies.

You’ll choose from optional modules to specialise in topics that interest you. You could study, for example, contemporary social thought to contextualise your work or look at issues such as climate change, care, labour mobility, healthcare, disability, gender, migration, or ‘race’ and ethnicity. You could also choose to study data analysis and research methods in further depth.

At the end of the programme, you’ll submit your dissertation. This is an independent piece of research on a related topic of your choice which will allow you to demonstrate and apply the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired during the year.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Social and Public Policy MA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

At Leeds we use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies including presentations, seminars, workshops, online learning, tutorials and lectures. Independent study is crucial to this degree – it allows you to prepare for taught sessions, develop your research interests and build a range of skills.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Your core modules will be assessed using essays. Optional modules may use other forms of assessment that reflect the diversity of the topics you can study, including presentations, book and literature reviews, research proposals and reports among others.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent in a social science, or related subject.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Politics and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Sciences and Arts: Politics and Society (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application Deadlines

International – Friday 26 June 2026

UK – Friday 14 August 2026

If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information we will need include:

• original or certified copies of your transcripts
• original or certified copies of your degree certificate
• original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language).

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Sociology and Social Policy

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Office

Email: pgssp@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £12,250 (Total)

International: £28,250 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

The School of Sociology and Social Policy usually offers a number of scholarships each year. Find out more on the School's scholarships page.

Career opportunities

Where could this degree take you

Throughout this course, you’ll develop a powerful mix of knowledge and practical skills, including advanced research, clear communication and critical analysis. These skills will enable you to understand complex social issues, evaluate policy decisions and make strong, evidence‑based arguments – capabilities that are highly sought after by employers.

MA graduates in Social and Public Policy go on to careers in central and local government, shaping and delivering public services, while others build careers in charities, NGOs and community organisations, focusing on social change.

Opportunities also extend into housing, health, research consultancies, advocacy, campaigning and the private sector – where understanding society, influencing decision‑making and creating meaningful impact matter.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system – access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Guaranteed industry experience  

The Global Industry Programme gives Masters students a great opportunity to gain real-world experience through live industry projects.  You’ll connect with leading companies worldwide to work on impactful, hands-on consultancy projects, enhancing your employability skills and enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to real business challenges.