BSc International Social and Public Policy with Politics

As a society, social policies enable us to tackle big global issues such as poverty, welfare, equality and pay. Political thinking and decision-making from government, external agencies and even citizens all have a role to play in policy making.

This BSc International Social and Public Policy with Politics programme looks at the principles behind current and past social policies – such as the nature of private-public partnerships in health service provision and social security benefits. You’ll explore how different governments, politicians, organisations and voters propose, implement and sometimes block social policies.

Drawing on LSE’s interdisciplinary strengths across the social sciences, you’ll study each topic from social, political demographic and economic perspectives – enabling you to develop a well-rounded understanding of these complex issues.

This degree provides you with all the skills you’ll need for many different careers, such as parliamentary researcher, policy advisor, social worker or charity case worker.

This is a major/minor degree programme – with the main focus on social policy and politics as the minor component.

Social policy

• H Dean Social Policy (2nd edition, Polity, 2012)
• D Garland The Welfare State: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2016)
• M Daly Welfare (Polity, 2011)
• P Alcock, M May and S Wright (eds) The Student's Companion to Social Policy (4th edition, Oxford: Blackwell, 2012)
• R Surender & R Walker (eds) Social Policy in a Developing World (Elgar, 2013)

Government

The general character of politics:

• J Colomer The Science of Politics: an introduction (Oxford University Press, 2011)
• R Goodin The Oxford Handbook of Political Science (Oxford University Press, 2009)
• I Katznelson and H Milner (eds.) Political Science: state of the discipline (New York: Wiley, 2002)

Political thought

Many classic texts of political thought are readily available in a variety of editions:

• Machiavelli The Prince
• J S Mill Considerations on Representative Government
• M Wollstonecraft A Vindication of the Rights of Women

Political analysis and political institutions

• W R Clark, M Golder and S Nadenichek Golder Principles of Comparative Politics (CQ Press, 2009)
• P Dunleavy and J Dryzek Theories of the Democratic State (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009)
• R Morton Analyzing Elections (Norton, 2006)
• E Ostrom, Governing the Commons: the evolution of institutions for collective action (Cambridge University Press, 1990/2015)

The Department of Social Policy is an internationally recognised centre of research and teaching excellence in social and public policy.

From its formation in 1912, the department has conducted pioneering research on contemporary social problems and helped develop policy solutions.

The department has an interdisciplinary and international outlook. Our academics conduct research on pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, crime, unemployment, healthcare, education and housing. Collectively, our faculty team draw on their backgrounds in anthropology, demography, economics, political science, sociology, as well as social and public policy.

We advise national and international governments and organisations and our research shapes decision-making and policy direction at the highest levels.

Within the department, we offer a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities. Our department is rated number one in the UK for social policy (Good University Guide 2024). We were also awarded the highest UK ranking for research in the field of social policy in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021).

The teaching curriculum is research-led, focused on applying global insights and supporting students with their learning at every stage of their journey.

Our alumni work in prominent government positions, national and international NGOs, the public and private sectors, and universities across the world.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Social Policy

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

• academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• subjects and subject combinations (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• your personal statement
• your teacher’s reference
• educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although this is not needed at the application stage. See our English language requirements page.

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• a genuine interest in contemporary social problems and political issues
• an ability to ask incisive questions
• independent thinking and initiative
• a willingness to read widely
• great communication skills
• a creative and flexible mindset for academic study
• intellectual curiosity
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard.

Formative coursework

All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps prepare you for summative assessment. We use a wide range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams.

Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and feedback is normally given within three weeks – provided the work is submitted on time.

Summative assessment

This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.

Summative assessment varies from course to course but it may involve essays, exams, quizzes, blog posts and projects (except the third-year dissertation).

You’ll receive feedback on any summative coursework as part of the assessment for individual courses (except for final submitted dissertations). Feedback will normally be provided before the examination period.

Assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. See details of the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course in the relevant course guide.

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods.

The skills you'll develop by studying social policy and government are attractive to a range of employers. Our graduates have found work in a variety of industries including; politics and government, education and teaching, banking and finance, NGOs, charities and international development, as well as journalism, media and publishing, advertising, marketing and PR, and accounting and auditing.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.