Comparative Social & Public Policy - SPY00152M

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  • Department: Social Policy and Social Work
  • Credit value: 15 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2025-26

Module summary

Different countries face different, but also similar problems that they seek to address by public and social policy interventions. This module introduces approaches to a comparative analysis of these similarities and differences, and thus provides students with insights into the complexity of policy-making across nation-states.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Online Teaching Period 1 2025-26

Module aims

This module will first introduce and explore key theoretical and conceptual debates that underpin the comparative approach to the analysis of social and public policy. The module will examine comparatively the role of ideas, interests and institutions in the development of public policies across a range of high income countries. The module will enable students to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the complex interplay of social, political and economic forces that shape social and public policy.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • understand the complexity of comparative analysis and the value of different approaches taken.

  • critically discuss and apply some of the key theoretical and policy debates in the comparative study of welfare states and public policy.

  • assess different ways in which countries tackle similar social and public policy problems, and the effectiveness of those policies.

  • make use of key comparative data sources in analysing social and public policy issues, trends, problems and solutions.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback on summative assessments will be provided within 20 working days, consisting of written comments and a marking matrix.

Indicative reading

Dodds, A. (2013). Comparative Public Policy. Palgrave.

Kennett, P. (ed.) (2013). A handbook of comparative social policy 2nd edition. Edward Elgar.