The Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis) MSc has a specialist focus on advanced methods for evidence synthesis and the systematic review of research. You will also study social policy and the place of research and evidence within policymaking and practice. It can be studied on campus or fully online, giving you the flexibility to engage with the programme from anywhere in the world. This programme was formally known as the Social Policy and Social Research (with Systematic Reviews) MSc.

About this degree

The Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis) MSc will equip you with the conceptual tools and empirical evidence necessary for investigating social policy and policymaking, including critical assessment of the role of research evidence in policy development and implementation. Understanding challenges and innovations in evidence synthesis methods is a key programme theme. Topics include the use of AI and machine learning during the systematic review or evidence synthesis process.

The dissertation component provides an opportunity to design and carry out an empirical research project with the support of an academic supervisor. You can develop a topic for the project from your own area of interest or professional expertise or work with a non-academic partner to produce research that is of practical interest to the organisation.

This master's degree has ESRC 1+3 training recognition, meaning it stands alone as an MSc but can also prepare students for doctoral research. The MSc is eligible for ESRC funding as the first year of the 1+3 PhD programme. Prospective candidates can apply to the Knowledge, Evidence and Policy pathway.

The programme can be studied on campus or fully online, and it is available full-time (one year), part-time (two years) or via flexible/modular study (taking a maximum of five years to complete).

Flexible - 5 academic years options available.