Social policy is concerned with how society provides for human needs and responds to social problems such as poverty, inequality, unemployment and crime. It focuses on the responses offered by a range of social actors including government, civil society, families, the market, the voluntary and third sectors.

Postgraduate research in the School of Social and Political Sciences is informed by the expertise of its team of academics, who have long-standing links to government, research organisations, and the voluntary sector.

Opportunities for research are available across a range of topics in social and political sciences. Current students' research projects in the field of sociology include:

-Family Welfare Policy
-Covid-19 Socio-economic Shocks on Vulnerable Groups in Nigeria
-Female Labour Migration and Domestic Work in Lincolnshire
-Reducing Conflict in the Family Courts System

How You Study

Research students can enrol for MPhil or PhD awards. These degrees are normally undertaken wholly by thesis and can be carried out either on a full-time or a part-time basis.

The School aims to provide appropriate support to enable students to become independent researchers. Students are required to follow a structured pattern of activity during which their progress can be monitored and encouraged. Students are allocated two supervisors and the emphasis is on providing whatever training is required, as well as the development of knowledge.

Students are asked to contribute to the School's research seminar series, are able to apply for funding to attend conferences, and are encouraged to publish their work and to develop links with appropriate external networks.

Research students normally have two internal supervisors with specialist knowledge relevant to the students subject area and research methods, and have regular meetings with them for advice, monitoring, and other support. Students can engage with external experts and advisors as necessary.

Your Future Career

Social Policy is a diverse subject and the skills acquired through its study and research can equip graduates with a unique set of skills and knowledge for a varied career in academia or social research in a range of sectors. A range of private, public, and third sector organisations are involved in social policy and there are opportunities to work at local, national, and international levels.

This includes central government, local authorities, and supra-national bodies, but also think tanks, charities, NGOs, and social enterprises. Alternatively, graduates may pursue positions as researchers or academics in institutes of higher education.

How You Are Assessed

Research degrees are usually awarded based on the quality of the students thesis and ability to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). They are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.