Content

Year 1: semester 1 module provides a wide-ranging introduction to some of the key challenges facing Scottish society in areas such as health, housing, education and social security. The semester 2 module asks how different issues come to be recognised and defined as ‘social problems’ and how this impacts the development of policy.

Year 2: deepen your knowledge and understanding of the historical development of social policy. You will also discover more about some of the key concepts in social policy, including issues such as human need, citizenship, and social exclusion, and about how social policy is made.

Year 3: students will choose one optional class based on the specialism of a member of staff. The list of available classes changes each year, but has included welfare reform and criminology. You will also take a class in research methodology which will help you to prepare for your final-year dissertation.

Year 4: take a core module on the global challenges facing Social Policy, focusing on issues such as inclusive growth, migration and climate change. Students can take further optional specialist classes. The list of available classes changes each year, but has included disability and gender-based violence. The Honours dissertation will be your chance to undertake some original research of your own in a key area of Social Policy.

In either Year 3 or Year 4, you will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in a charity, government office or other organisation relevant to social policy.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements

Standard entry:
4 Highers at AAAA (first sitting) or 5 Highers at AAAAB (two sittings) including English plus Maths or Applications of Maths at National 5.

Widening access entry:
4 Highers at AABB (first sitting) or 5 Highers at AABBB (two sittings) including English plus Maths or Applications of Maths at National 5.

A Foundation Apprenticeship is accepted in place of a non-essential Higher.