Social and Public Policy (MSc)

Cardiff University

Examine key global challenges and gain the skills to analyse, design and evaluate social and public policy responses that can change lives. On our Social and Public Policy (MSc) programme you’ll explore the nature, causes and potential solutions to a wide range of pressing social issues - from poverty and inequality to migration, public health, and social justice. Focusing on policy challenges in Wales, the UK and across the globe, you’ll be encouraged to think critically about how governments and organisations respond to complex social problems. You’ll also consider how those responses shape people’s everyday lives. Through a combination of theoretical exploration and practical analysis, you’ll develop the knowledge to understand how social and public policies are formed, implemented and evaluated. You’ll interpret social science evidence, assess policy effectiveness and craft evidence-based recommendations. You’ll be encouraged to challenge conventional thinking, consider policy responses in multiple contexts, and explore innovative solutions to some of today’s most urgent issues. Whether your goal is to influence policymaking, contribute to evidence-based reform or pursue further study, you’ll graduate well-prepared for a future in policy research and analysis, public administration, advocacy, consultancy, and academic research.