Rigorous training in the comparative analysis of institutions, from local to international
2018/19 entry
If you've completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
Find out moreThe MA in Comparative and International Social Policy will train you in comparative and international policy analysis, research and design.
It is ideal for those working or hoping to work in international policy analysis and policy development in governments, charities and NGOs around the world.
This MA is especially suitable for:
We have one of the largest concentrations of social policy research in the UK. We are ranked third in the UK for overall research performance and joint first for the impact of our research (REF 2014). Our students have access to staff, projects and research across a wide range of social policy areas and internationally-renowned research centres, including the Social Policy Research Unit, Centre for Housing Policy, Social Policy East Asia Exchange, Centre for Research in Comparative and Global Social Policy, Welfare Conditionality and the Centre for Childhood, Youth and Family Research
This course is part of a group of social policy Masters degrees that draw on the research excellence of the Department to enable you to study social policy at an advanced level. These courses each offer a unique blend of modules to allow you to specialise in a particular area.
York is very calm city, it helps you focus and concentrate. Don't be afraid because as an international student I know that some people may feel insecure studying in a new country but I think it will change your life!Hoi Ying, Hong Kong, MA Comparative and International Social Policy
The MA in Comparative and International Social Policy is based around a combination of social policy analysis and research training. You'll start with a solid introduction to comparative social research methods and social policy analysis. You'll then explore how social policy is affected by globalisation. You'll finish with a comparative exploration of how emerging governance structures and actors affect the management and delivery of social policy in national and international settings.
This Masters degree has a broad international approach, rooted in the analysis of higher-income OECD countries and adapting this to a study of a broader sample of countries across the globe. The course attracts students from around the world, so you'll benefit from first-hand international insight.
Most people study full-time for 12 months, but part-time study over 24 months is also available.
In the Autumn Term you'll take two compulsory modules:
In the Spring Term you'll take two more compulsory modules that focus on international and comparative social policy:
More details on the MA in Comparative and International Social Policy modules.
In the Summer Term and summer months you'll take part in the Graduate Dissertation Workshop. This will give you the chance to develop and present your research interests. You will participate in a group project with other students who have similar interests. You will also use this time to work on your individual research project.
Please note, modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
You will design, develop and manage your own original research project, culminating in a 15,000 - 20,000 word dissertation. You'll be supervised by an individual member of staff. Our strong research focus means that half your time will be spent on taught courses and half your time will be dedicated to your own specialist research project.
Recent projects by MA Comparative and International Social Policy students include:
This Department really cares for people, for every single student and even for their individual development. I've never been in a city like this. It feels just like home. Everybody's always happy to help strangers.Xinide, China (Inner Mongolia), MA Comparative and International Social Policy
| Study mode | UK/EU | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £7,580 | £16,780 |
| Part-time (2 years) Fees for subsequent years are subject to confirmation. | £3,790 year 1 fee | £8,390 year 1 fee |
For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. Fees for subsequent years are subject to increase (no more than 2% each year).
UK/EU or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK/EU or international student.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers accommodation costs and estimated social costs.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
The modules for this MA have been specifically developed for postgraduate study. You will be taught through a combination of hands-on workshops, lectures and seminars based on real cases and data. Small-group working and establishing your own perspective on social issues will become a core part of your studying process.
You'll also be able to attend the Department's lectures and University lectures from visiting speakers from across the world.
You'll be based in the Department of Social Policy and Social Work on Campus West. Most of your teaching will take place nearby.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
Your assessment will be continuous and based mainly on essays and reports. You will receive written feedback on all assessed work. There are no exams.
You'll complete a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation as part of your own specialist research project. You'll also have the opportunity to present your research as it progresses to a wider audience as part of our dissertation workshops.
The MA in Comparative and International Social Policy develops skills that employers need in a number of areas, especially policy analysis and research. You'll also develop transferable skills that will allow you to progress to different career areas or to continue your studies at PhD level.
This masters is designed for students who want to become active in social policy analysis and research. Graduates go on to a wide variety of destinations but most tend to go into one of these key areas:
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|---|
| Degree | You will normally be expected to have at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. You will also be considered if you have relevant work experience and academic potential. Guidance on international equivalents for entry qualifications. |
If your native language is not English, you should meet an English language proficiency level of 6.5 in the British Council's IELTS test with at least 5.5 in each component. We do accept other English language tests.
You may also want to attend the University's pre-sessional language courses.
You can apply and send all your documentation electronically through our online system. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start it, save it and finish it later.
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.
Explore campus and city life and hear what our current students have to say about living here.
Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.
