Explore Our Social Policy Degree
Social Policy combines theory from multiple disciplines including politics, sociology, geography, criminology and economics to understand how societies respond to different challenges and societal needs. Key areas of social policy are welfare, pensions, workers’ rights, education, health and healthcare, security, poverty, unemployment, social housing, urban development, criminal justice, social care and child protection. Social policy also seeks to reduce inequalities across all of these areas and seeks to criticise, change and implement policies to create a fairer society.
Take this year, for example. Social policy has never been so important to protect the wellbeing of citizens and reduce the social impact of the coronavirus.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a unique time of social struggle. This year we will see expounded poverty levels as the economic impact of the crisis takes root. Our already overstretched NHS is being pushed to the limit caring for COVID-19 patients and providing continuing care to patients with existing conditions. Care home and hospices are in crisis as charitable funding is cut and staff shortages increase due to COVID-19. We are likely on the cusp of a mental health crisis, as people struggle to cope with isolation and key workers face burnout. We will experience the impact of this pandemic in our society for years to come. Undoubtedly, it will be those already vulnerable in society that suffer most from the impact of COVID-19 even as some of the systems adapt to provide some kind of security.
On this course, you will develop an awareness and understanding of key social issues and develop the skills and tools to develop effective policy in order to address them.
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What Can We Offer You?
We are extremely proud that our course is ranked in the Complete University Guide as number one in the country for student satisfaction and number one within the North West for Social Policy courses (2023).
Be supported by passionate and committed educators and research-active staff
Our cohorts are close-knit, and our students often say that the sense of community and support are the best things about Salford.
A wide of placements to suit your goals and aspirations. We maintain these strong links with industry so you get the best possible chance to apply what you have learned academically in a real-world setting.
In your second and third years, you will be able to tailor your course through modules, placements and research to ensure you are studying the areas of social policy that interest you the most
Social Policy Graduate Charlene
During my third year I was lucky enough to be able to do a community placement with a large international NGO that fights modern slavery around the globe, Hope for Justice. This project was one of the most exciting things I was able to work on during my time at the University of Salford. My personal tutors and the staff on the Social Policy team were incredible in helping me navigate the project and ensuring I was able to make the most of the experience. I was able to work on several projects at Hope for Justice, including a scoping project contracted by the Home Office.
I was very excited when I first received my acceptance letter to the University of Salford to study Social Policy. I moved from Nebraska to Salford with no idea what life in the UK would be like. While moving across the world was a rather scary experience, Salford quickly became my home. It was exciting to be figuring out how to live in a different country all while studying.
One of the things that I loved most about the course was how incredible the staff was on the Social Policy team at Salford. From the first week I walked in, I was welcomed and supported not only as a student but as an international student who knew no one in the country. I always felt welcome to ask any question no matter how small or big. The team is incredible and I can not stress just how important it is to talk to them.
During my third year, I was lucky enough to be able to do a community placement with a large international NGO that fights modern slavery around the globe, Hope for Justice. This project was one of the most exciting things I was able to work on during my time at the University of Salford. My personal tutors and the staff on the Social Policy team were incredible in helping me navigate the project and ensuring I was able to make the most of the experience. I was able to work on several projects at Hope for Justice, including a scoping project contracted by the Home Office.
I chose to study Social Policy in the hopes it would advance me further into a career fighting modern slavery. I graduated in 2020 with a First Class Honours BSc in Social Policy. I have learned so much from the course regarding support services, social justice, and policy and practice in not just the UK but on a global scale. I know that the knowledge I’ve gained from the course will help me as I continue my education and go on to study a Masters in Contemporary Slavery Studies and Critical Victimology.
Campus Life. Big City Buzz.
Study at Salford really is the best of both worlds. Our Peel Park campus is set in 46 square kilometres of lush, green space to enjoy. But we're also just over a mile away from the big city buzz of central Manchester - voted the UK's most liveable city two years running.
Famous for music, culture, sport, art and science, the cities of Manchester and Salford offers an unrivalled student experience where you can balance your studies with world-class culture, exciting events and legendary nightlife.
Campus Life
We know university life isn’t all about studying – sometimes you have to have fun, too – and there are plenty of things to do outside of academia across our campuses.
From joining a club or society, to taking part in a gym class, to meeting up with friends for lunch in Atmosphere bar and café: when you're not working on your next assignment or research project, you can be enjoying the perks of being on campus at the University of Salford.
Campus Accommodation
Living in student accommodation is a great way to get settled into university life and meet new people. We've got some great accommodation options to choose from, including Peel Park Quarter - recently voted one of the best halls of residence in the UK.
Becoming an undergraduate student
Choosing a university is one of the biggest decisions you'll make - and we want to help you make the right one.