Overview

This Social Policy and Social Research MSc at the University College London (UCL) is unique in the way that students study methods for reviews of both qualitative and quantitative data, and a full range of research designs.

The programme can be taken entirely at a distance, or on campus, and attracts students from across the globe, many of whom are already working for research-focused or policy-making organisations.

The programme is located within the Department of Social Science, a research-intensive department with an outstanding international reputation. It is taught by an interdisciplinary team, all with specialist expertise across a wide range of policy areas.

As students on the specialist 'systematic reviews' route, you will also learn from research-active tutors based at UCL’s EPPI-Centre, which is recognised worldwide for its development of methods for diverse kinds of systematic review, for the production of policy-relevant research, and for research into perspectives and participation.

Our central London location and network of partners and alumni give us access to nationally and internationally prominent guest speakers who provide insight into policy as it is formed.

Careers

Graduates of previous versions of this programme are currently working across a broad range of areas.
For example, one is a project director in mobile technology for learning, while another is a social research manager advising national government.
Another graduate works as a senior editor of systematic research reviews. Others have gone on to doctoral studies.

Employability

Students completing the programme are equipped with enhanced critical thinking skills and, in particular, skills for research design and appraisal, spanning a full range of research purposes and problems.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Understanding the Policy Process

Social Problems and Intervention

Evidence for Policy and Practice

Comparative Social Policy

Systematic Review Design and Planning

Systematic Reviews for Complex Policy Issues

Research Engagement, Participation and Impact

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-26 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-28 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

109

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Educational Research Social Policy View 131 other Masters in Social Policy in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

109

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelors' degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in a Social Science subject, such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Policy, Economics or History.
If you do not meet these requirements, other considerations, such as relevant work experience, may be taken into account.
The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33000 GBP / year

≈ 33000 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

16000 GBP / year

≈ 16000 GBP / year

Additional Details

Part time

UK: £7,550
International: £15,550

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Social Policy and Social Research.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Careers

Employability

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

London

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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