Education and Social Policy

Education and social policy is a combination that connects the study of how people learn and how educational systems are organised with the analysis of the social and political frameworks within which those systems operate. Education examines teaching, learning, curriculum, equity and the relationship between schooling and society. Social policy asks how governments respond to social problems, how welfare states are organised and reformed, and how policies aimed at reducing inequality or improving social outcomes are designed, implemented and evaluated.

At the University of Strathclyde you will develop knowledge of education systems in Scotland and internationally, examining issues including policy development, social justice, equity and inclusion with the support of staff who engage directly with these questions in their research. You will have the opportunity to put theory into practice through a community placement, connecting academic understanding to real settings. The programme includes a year abroad, giving you comparative perspective on how education and social policy operate in different national contexts.

The degree runs over four years full time.

Graduates of this combination move into careers in education policy, social research, local and national government, school management and leadership, teacher education, social services, children's charities and international development. The programme is well regarded as preparation for initial teacher education courses, and the emphasis on policy, social justice and equity also prepares graduates for roles in advocacy, community development and public sector management. Postgraduate study in education, social policy, public administration or research methods is a natural further step.