Rigorous training in the comparative analysis of institutions, from local to international
Year of entry: 2020/21
Our online events are a great way to find out about postgraduate study at York.
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
For Social Policy and Administration (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020)
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.
You will take a total of 180 credits over the course of your MA.
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:
In the Summer Term and summer months you'll take part in the Graduate Research Workshop (10 credits) and Reflective Practice (10 credits) work on your Independent Study Project (80 credits).
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 a significant proportion of your time will be dedicated to your own specialist research project.
Recent projects by MA Comparative and International Social Policy students include:
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
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) | £8,040 | £18,240 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. |
£8,040 | £9,120 |
Students on a Tier 4 Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
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).
There are no mandatory additional fees but we do recommend that you set aside some money for photocopying. Course books will be available to you from the Library either in print or online format but you may wish to buy your own copies (book prices vary, with new books usually costing between £20 and £60). All other teaching resources will be available online.
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 additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to courses
We're making changes to comply with rules on social distancing. We aim to deliver as much face-to-face teaching as we can, supported by high quality online alternatives where we must.
Find details of the measures we're planning to protect our community.
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. The majority of your teaching will take place in Alcuin College, with some other teaching at other nearby locations on Campus West.
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 | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:1 or equivalent |
| Other qualifications and experience | You will also be considered if you have relevant work experience and academic potential |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency | 176, minimum 169 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum of 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
| Duolingo | Minimum overall score of 110 |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current IELTS scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to premium.
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.
