This examines the development and impact of social policy in the UK through a lens of inequalities

To critically explore how policies in areas such as housing, climate and sustainability, labour markets, family policy, immigration, pensions, health, and justice shape social inequalities and impact diverse groups based on age, gender, ethnicity, migration status, and disability

To evaluate policy effectiveness in bringing about social change

(LO1) Demonstrate an understanding of the development, purpose, and impact of UK social policy, with a focus on inequalities.

(LO2) Critically examine how social policies shape, reinforce, or mitigate social inequalities across key domains, considering factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, migration status, and disability

(LO3) Apply intersectional and inequalities theoretical frameworks to evaluate social action and policy responses aimed at addressing inequalities.

(S1) Develop and demonstrate effective communication skills (oral, written, and visual), including the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively

(S2) Engage in critical thinking and problem-solving through the analysis of social policies, their implications, and potential reforms.

(S3) Strengthen academic writing skills, including critical analysis, referencing, and structuring arguments in policy evaluations.

The module draws on theoretical frameworks of inequalities and intersectionality to critically evaluate social policy in the UK.

Examples of topics that will be covered include, housing policy examining access to affordable and adequate housing and its role in (re)producing inequalities, labour market policy exploring inequalities in job opportunities, wages, and working conditions, family and education policy investigating policies surrounding family support, childcare, and education, and their impact on social stratification, health policy analysing access to healthcare, disparities in health outcomes, and the role of social determinants of health, pensions and social security evaluating state versus private pensions and the exclusion of specific groups from pension benefits, immigration policy critiquing policies on migration, citizenship, and belonging with a focus on marginalised populations, sustainability policy exploring how climate and environmental policies address o r exacerbate social inequalities, and justice policy investigating the intersections of justice, law, and policy and their role in perpetuating or challenging inequalities. The syllabus is designed to reflect contemporary social policy changes and therefore may be subject to change.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
asynchronous pre-recorded lectures
Notes: Lectures are designed to give you a broad sweep of key areas and debates, including theoretical ideas and case studies of excluded groups. Lectures will facilitate your own reading around the subject.

Teaching Method 2 - Workshop
Notes: Workshops are designed to foster deeper engagement with critical social policy in the UK by encouraging active, student-led discussions and collaborative learning. Unlike traditional seminars, workshops integrate diverse materials—such as videos, podcasts, and creative resources—to explore key issues in more dynamic ways. With preparatory videos, sound recordings, readings as a foundation, students are expected to contribute actively, applying theoretical concepts to real-world policy challenges through critical debate, problem-solving exercises, and interactive activities.