About the MSc programme
This programme (divided into two streams) is based in the Department of Social Policy and offers the following benefits:
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a comparative, international and multi-disciplinary environment
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staff with expertise in Asia, Africa, Latin America and post-communist societies, who maintain research and advisory links with governments and key international development organisations
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links to leading research groups based in the Department specialising in social exclusion, health and social care and education
The first stream, Social Policy and Development, approaches social policy and development primarily from the perspective of government. The second stream, Social Policy and Development: Non-Governmental Organisations approaches the subject from the perspective of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and wider civil society. Both streams share a common engagement with the core concepts and debates within social policy and development including the policy process, wellbeing, poverty and exclusion, global institutions and the aid system, sustainability and livelihoods, and rights and citizenship.
This MSc programme is aimed at candidates with work experience in or from Africa, Asia, Latin America and post-communist societies. Currently about two thirds of students come from these regions and in a typical year we have representatives from 25 or more different countries. For the first stream, programme participants are normally development professionals from central planning ministries and sectoral social service ministries such as education, rural and urban development, health, social security and social work services. We also have students who are representatives of multilateral aid bodies such as the World Bank, UNDP and UNICEF. For the second, which was formerly known as the MSc NGOs and Development, participants are drawn mainly from northern and southern NGOs including Oxfam, Action Aid, BRAC, Christian Aid, Médecins sans Frontières and Save the Children Fund, as well as from smaller civil society organisations. Both MSc streams are suitable for development policy researchers in institutions of higher education and think tanks.
For either stream, you will need a first degree in a relevant academic subject (sociology, economics, political science, anthropology, development studies) at a standard equivalent to a British university first class or upper second class honours degree. Most applicants will also have some relevant work experience in a developing or post-communist society, although we will also consider applications from academically well-qualified applicants seeking to begin a career in development. A degree qualification is not always necessary if you have exceptional professional experience. Applications from experienced people with a non-social science degree will also be considered.
The MSc programme has four aims:
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to develop understanding of the theory and practice of social policy in developing and post-communist countries
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to allow deeper study in development policy areas of particular interest through the choice of a wide range of optional courses and through writing a 10,000 word dissertation
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to compare experience of social policy in a variety of countries and development institutions, drawing on current research and on the contrasting professional experience of the course participants in seminars and workshops
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to develop analytical, organisational and planning skills, and enhance written and oral communication and presentation skills
Programme details
Teaching is by a mixture of lectures, student-led seminars, workshops and tutorials. Assessment is through a combination of unseen examinations, course essays, and a distinctive 10,000 word dissertation for each stream.
For both streams, you take courses to the value of four units consisting of compulsory and optional courses. In addition, both programmes require you to write an MSc dissertation on a relevant topic.
Stream one: Social Policy and Development
Compulsory courses
(* half unit)
Students will be expected to choose courses to the value of two full units from a range of options.
Stream two: Social Policy and Development: Non-Governmental Organisations
Compulsory courses
(* half unit)
Students will be expected to choose courses to the value of two full units from a range of options.
† As part of this course, students will be required to attend a three-day residential workshop on applied social planning at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park, during the Lent term. The cost of this workshop is £200, which is included in the fee for this programme.
You can find the most up-to-date list of optional courses for MSc Social Policy and Development and MSc Social Policy and Development: Non-Governmental Organisations in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar.
You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, some circumstances may cause the School to subsequently change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to circumstances outside of its control. You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee places on its courses. You should visit the School's Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the Updated graduate course and programme information page.
Graduate destinations
Students who have graduated from this programme have gone on to work for:
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different UN agencies including UNDP, UNICEF and UNHCR
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a variety of small and large NGOs including Oxfam, Médecins Sans Frontières, International Red Cross, One World Action
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international or intergovernmental organisations such as the World Economic Forum, European Commission, World Bank
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consulting companies
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government ministries