(Full time) 2021 start
Social Policy BA
Overview
This exciting and vibrant course delves into core social policy issues including: poverty, health, housing, education and crime. These are just some of the social problems you will examine as well as studying how the state seeks to address them.
On the BA Social Policy degree you’ll gain an understanding of the historical, social and cultural dimensions of policy-making and examine education, housing and urban policies to learn about how states provide for people’s welfare. Using examples from around the world, you’ll consider the experiences of people who receive social welfare services to understand the impact social policy has on their lives.
By connecting issues facing contemporary societies to the big ideas that help to shed light on them, you’ll learn about why social problems and inequalities exist and why some activities are seen as deviant or criminal. A wide range of optional modules reflecting our diverse research interests will also allow you to explore broader topics such as disability rights, terrorism or childhood.
Quantitative Research Methods (QRM) pathway
You’ll have the opportunity to apply for a place on our BSc Social Policy with Quantitative Research Methods pathway which gives a quantitative skills focus to your final year of study with compulsory modules in this area. This pathway will help you develop advanced analytical skills, which are in demand across the public, private, and third sectors.
You will learn statistical analysis techniques and their application to real data (e.g. survey data or statistical data relating to poverty, crime or electoral behaviour amongst others) using statistical software. You will also write a dissertation in which you will analyse quantitative data to examine a sociology/social policy research question.
This pathway is open to all students as long as you attain a 2:1 across all modules in your second year and a 2:1 in the Sociology and Social Policy Research Methods module. You are not required to have done Mathematics at A level.
Find out more on the course catalogue: BSc Social Policy with Quantitative Research Methods.
Studying in the School of Sociology and Social Policy
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Course content
You’ll learn to think sociologically about various social issues and problems from the start of Year 1. A set of core modules will equip you with the research skills to study social policy and an understanding of the methods and techniques used in social research, as well as exploring the development and emergence of modern societies. You’ll also learn more about the formation of social policy in Britain over time and examine how social inequalities have been created.
In the following year you’ll develop your research skills through a single compulsory module, which helps to prepare you for the research you’ll undertake in your final year. Around this you’ll choose from a set of modules related to major social issues such as drugs and crime in the policy context. You’ll also be able to choose from a broader range of topics, exploring themes from racism and ethnicity studies to the cultural impact of tourism.
The dissertation you complete in your final year allows you to apply your research skills to a topic of your choice, which you’ll examine in depth. Around this module, you’ll choose from social policy modules on topics such as education or childhood studies, as well as selecting from a more diverse range in areas such as racism, gender studies or protest movements.
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.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you gain diverse skills. These will include seminars and workshops where you can discuss in more depth the topics set out in traditional lectures. We emphasise the importance of participation, presentation skills and group work.
Independent study is also a vital element of the course, as it allows you to develop your research and critical skills while preparing for taught sessions.
You’ll also have a personal tutor – one of our academics – who will be on hand to offer you guidance and support on academic issues, such as module choices, as well as career and personal matters.
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
Modules will use a variety of assessment methods. As well as traditional exams, you could also be asked to complete projects based on essays and case studies, policy briefs, group presentations, work logs, research briefs, project proposals or development agency reviews. In your final year you’ll also submit a 12,000 word dissertation.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
We do not require A-level Sociology for courses in the School of Sociology and Social Policy – we design Year 1 modules for students both with and without previous knowledge of the subject.
However, in general you should be in the process of studying social science, arts and humanities subjects for A-level. See our accepted subjects document to see which subjects we accept.
We accept A-level General Studies.
When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attact an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be BBB at A-level including grade A in the EPQ.
GCSE: grade 4/C or above in Mathematics or equivalent.
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Access to HE Diploma
Complete 60 credits with 45 credits at level 3, including 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or higher.
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BTEC
DDM.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M1.
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International Baccalaureate
34 overall (6,5,5 higher).
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
AAABBB.
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AAABB overall (BB at advanced level).
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer:
BBC at A level. Applicants must also meet the University’s GCSE matriculation standard and pass the Access to Leeds module.
For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, we offer a foundation year for UK students who meet specific widening participation criteria. Learn more about the BA Social Science (foundation year).
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Sociology and Social Policy Undergraduate Admissions Team.
International foundation year
If you have the ability to study for a degree but don’t have the qualifications to enter directly to level one, you might consider studying a foundation year. We have formal links with the following foundation year programmes:
- University of Leeds International Foundation Year (IFY)
- Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK)
- Study Group Leeds International Study Centre (LISC)
If you are applying from an alternative foundation year provider, please contact our admissions team to find out if your qualification is suitable for entry to our courses.
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
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
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 Taught Admissions Policy 2023
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £20,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
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.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
Graduate destinations
Our graduates secure employment with some of the biggest UK companies in human resources, communications management, broadcasting and advertising. They are also ideally equipped to work in the public and third sector including in the Civil Service, teaching, youth work, fostering/children’s services, probation services, social work, prison service, housing and homelessness prevention.
In recent years graduates have gone into roles as:
- Project Support Officer
- Secondary School Teacher
- Account Manager
- Recruitment Consultant
- Researcher
For organisations including:
- The Home Office
- Leeds City Council
- Hays
- NHS
- Omnicom Media Group
- Capita
Postgraduate opportunities
Graduates from this programme are well prepared for postgraduate study across a range of disciplines. Our recent graduates have gone on to study social research, disability studies, gender studies, teacher training, journalism, occupational therapy, human resources, marketing, social work, and criminal justice studies.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 300 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Read more about Study Year Abroad.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.