MPhil in Comparative Social Policy
University of Oxford
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Qualification

MPhil - Master of Philosophy

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Location

University of Oxford

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

OCT-25

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Duration

21 months

Course info

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Qualification

MPhil - Master of Philosophy

Location

University of Oxford

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

OCT-25

Duration

21 months

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Politics
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Course info

About the courseThe MPhil in Comparative Social Policy explores welfare systems and policy developments across a range of countries with an OECD focus. The comparative element is a key part of the course, and is one feature that makes the course at Oxford unique.For the purposes of comparison the course focuses especially on the most highly-developed countries, broadly those in the OECD area. The central aim of the MPhil in Comparative Social Policy at the Department of Social Policy and ...Read more

About the course

The MPhil in Comparative Social Policy explores welfare systems and policy developments across a range of countries with an OECD focus. The comparative element is a key part of the course, and is one feature that makes the course at Oxford unique.

For the purposes of comparison the course focuses especially on the most highly-developed countries, broadly those in the OECD area.

The central aim of the MPhil in Comparative Social Policy at the Department of Social Policy and Intervention is to provide high quality graduate level research training in social policy, taking a comparative perspective, concentrating primarily on industrialised/developed countries. More specific aims are to develop your capacity to.

  • analyse, interpret and review the major concepts, theoretical approaches and historical and contemporary issues in social policy and welfare state development in a range of OECD countries or systems;
  • analyse and compare specific areas of social policy (eg health, education) in different countries or systems, drawing on both empirical data and broader theoretical literature; and
  • undertake both quantitative and qualitative research studies, and to understand the major issues involved in research design and technical analysis in social policy related research.

Assessment

Your performance will be assessed through formative and summative assignments/papers. Knowledge of the substantive areas of social policy is assessed by one three-hour paper at the end of the third term of your first year, a summative assignment based on your first option paper taken in the second term of your first year, and another summative assignment based on your second option paper taken in the second term of your second year. The paper covers comparative social policy and social policy analysis in general; the others focus on the student’s chosen area(s) of specialism. The research methods skills are assessed by means of formal course assignments and two ‘critical methods essays’ on published research papers. In addition, you will be required to provide a 30,000-word dissertation.

Graduate destinations

Recent graduates from the MPhil in Comparative Social Policy have gone on to study for doctorates in a range of high quality universities. Many of graduates go on to pursue academic careers in world-leading research universities, while others hold influential positions in government, non-governmental and international organisations, such as the World Bank, the World Health Organisation and the UN.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
3rd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
2nd

Entry requirements

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications or their equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline. There is no requirement on subject area and students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds are considered. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent. For applicants with a degree from the USA, a bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0, or 4.0 out of 5.0 is sought.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£21,320 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£33,100 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£33,100 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

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Uni info

University of Oxford
University Offices Wellington Square Oxford Oxfordshire OX1 2JD United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Oxford  0.2 miles away

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