This module will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of the contexts within which studies and debates on poverty and social inequality have been conducted.

You’ll analyse major investigations into poverty and learn how to identify elements of continuity and change in the study of poverty and social inequality as social phenomena.

The aim of this module is to help you expand your knowledge of this field by exploring the dynamics of social policy developments from an international point of view.

You’ll be encouraged to critically evaluate current international social policy trends and issues by drawing upon case studies and a range of theoretical contributions to social policy analysis.

The studies you’ll take on will provide an overview of crucial issues and debates associated with the production and evaluation of research for practice in social care. You can look forward to extending your own knowledge and understanding of qualitative and quantitative research processes whilst developing your capacity to act as an independent and critical thinker.

With this final module, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake an in-depth, critical exploration and analysis of an area you are interested in within this field.

Your dissertation can be based on the area of specialisation you hope to enter following graduation, or even a challenge that’s present or relevant to your current place of work.

Examples of previous dissertation topics for on-campus MA Social Policy students include:

• The social impact of the Second World War and the creation of the ‘classic’ Welfare State
• Is the introduction of Universal Credit causing a decline in mental health?
• Child Protection in England and India: Experience from the last three decades
• Crumbs from the table? The social legacy of the ‘Right to Buy’