The University of Sheffield
Prospective Postgraduates

Global and International Social Policy - MA

Department of Sociological Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences

You aim to understand the human world, where you fit into it and how you can help other people. As one of the UK's top ten research departments in our field, we can help you to achieve your goals.

About the course

1 year full time/2 years part time

This course is for people who want to be global social policy analysts or social policy workers in a variety of international organisations and development agencies. There is input and teaching from professionals working in international organisations, including OECD, ILO, WHO and Oxfam.

You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of transnational and global influences on national social policy, as well as knowledge of emerging supranational policies that address global social issues in health, poverty, social protection, crime and education.

Your dissertation prepares you to undertake research into global social policy processes and prepare you for a career in the field. You'll get support to arrange some work experience related to your research project.

Entry requirements

You'll need a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject.

English language requirements for overseas students

IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each part), or TOEFL 90–91 (iBT), or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students 

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Course content

You'll get research training in both generic social science and subject-specific areas. You must take one 30-credit and five 15-credit core modules, one 15-credit optional module and complete a 60-credit dissertation.

Core modules

  • The Research Process
  • Qualitative Methods
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Social Policy Analysis
  • Global Social Policy and Governance
  • Political Economy of Global Social Policy
  • Global Social Problems and Social Policy

Optional modules

  • Children, Families and Welfare States
  • Internationalisation of Crime
  • Social Research for the Digital Age
  • Qualitative Research with Children and Young People
  • International Childhoods: rights, policy and practice
  • Doing Gendered Research
  • Or you can choose a suitable optional module from across departments in the faculty

Teaching

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Small-group work
  • Tutorials
  • Web-based instruction

Assessment

  • Dissertation in Global/International Social Policy

Fees and funding

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

E: sociological.studies@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 6401

Amelia Moore, MA Global and International Social Policy

Where your masters can take you

Our graduates go on to become academics, researchers or health and social care professionals. Others become managers or administrators in the public and private sectors.

Stay informed

Our interdisciplinary approach brings together sociologists, social policy analysts, social workers and social anthropologists. Our empirical research is internationally recognised, and our contributions to current policy debates are significant and trusted.

One of the UK's top ten research centres for social work and policy.

Stay connected

You'll get access to office space in a centrally located postgraduate facility. Use our flexible work spaces to connect with postgraduate research students and get involved in the work of the department. You'll discover a positive, friendly atmosphere where staff and postgraduate students work together as colleagues.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form