Applied Social Policy BA (Hons)

Studying Social Policy means studying issues relevant to your daily life in two distinct ways: social policy as a practical subject is concerned with the formulation of policies to improve individuals’ and society’s well-being.

Social policy as an academic subject is concerned with the critical exploration of the theories and concepts which underpin such policies. Running for the first time in September 2013, this degree brings these two strands together to explore how and why social policies can be used to secure changes and improvement in health, education, social services and other areas that affect the welfare and well-being of citizens. Studying social policy will provide an insight into the historical and contemporary perspectives of these social interventions. Students will explore the ideological underpinnings and theoretical principles of social policy and appreciate the influences these have upon social policy makers, and ultimately society.

Social policy also encompasses a wide range of disciplines including sociology, economics, politics and law. This means that the course will be of interest not only to those who are interested in policy analysis per se, but also those with a broader interest in how society functions and interest in analysis of the implications of this for individuals, groups and families.

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UCAS code

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Study options

Single or Joint Honours
Opportunities for work-based learning experience

Get in touch

Admissions office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

280 UCAS tariff points

Accredited Prior Learning/Experiential Learning (APL/APEL) considered

Modules

Examples of Course Content

Introduction to Rights & Legislative Frameworks
Introduction to Social Policy
Learning from the Past: the Historical Development of Social Policy
Equality & Inequalities in Society
Social & Political Theory
Themes in Policy Analysis
Interpersonal Skills for the Workplace
Contextualising the Family: Culture, Diversity & the Family in a Changing World
Research: Process & Practice
Social Policy & Ideology
Safeguarding the Family
(Children, Adults & Young People)
Work-based Learning
Evidence Based Policy
Social (In) Security
Housing for All
Policy & Education
Family, Gender & Work
User Involvement in Policy & Practice
Comparative Policy & Practice
Professional Judgement & Decision Making
Leading & Managing
Policy & Practice in Fostering & Adoption
Domestic Abuse
Substance Misuse

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used to enable you to develop a range of skills and demonstrate competence in these. Knowledge, reflection, communication, research and presentation skills are assessed using essays, case studies, tests, presentations and seminars.

Academic department

Institute of Health & Society

“The University is a leading innovator in the fields of health and social care. Unique appointments such as the UK’s first professors of perinatal education and tissue viability demonstrate our commitment to research excellence.”
Louise Jones, Head of Institute

Employability

Social policy provides career opportunities in a wide range of organisations and services with statutory, voluntary and private employers who value the analytical skills that the degree endows. This includes work within a variety of different professional roles including: policy analysis and monitoring, public administration, personal social services, housing, children and adult services, support work, community development and welfare rights. The analytical focus of the degree also provides an ideal grounding for further postgraduate study, whether practice based such as social work, or academic based such as Masters and PhD.