The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's ancient universities. The university has a long and rich history, and has produced many notable alumni in a variety of fields, including science, literature, and politics. Today, the University of Edinburgh is a leading research-intensive university, with a global reputation for academic excellence and a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world.

Our joint honours degrees allow you to gain a disciplinary understanding both in core Social Policy analyses as well as another subject area.

You will take core courses to understand how social policy affects different parts of society and will learn how different systems of social policy can result in very different relationships between the state and other actors.

You will also learn the foundations of another discipline of your choosing (such as Economics Politics Sociology or Law) in the first two years.

You can gain insights into particular methods of understanding society (for example through the lens of legal studies or economic perspectives) but apply those to real-world problems that stretch beyond the reach of those disciplines to understand the impact particular decisions have on different parts of society.

This allows you in years 3 and 4 to take specialisation courses in both disciplines.

On the Social Policy side of the degree you will be able to choose from a range of specific Social Policy courses (between 2-4) that cover particular policy areas or processes. You will also choose specific options from your second discipline (between 2-4) in addition to the central methods and approaches courses in both disciplines.

You can usually choose in which subject area you want to write your dissertation project in.

Year 1
Social Policy
You will take Social Policy & Society.

In this course we will introduce you to core concepts in the analysis of key government policy areas. We do this by contrasting various lenses through which we can understand social policy. You will explore the consequences of different policy decisions by governments on different parts of society

You will also take Politics of the Welfare State.

This course examines social policy as a political issue in the UK. It introduces you to the politics of the area that constitutes one of the largest sets of government expenditure.

You will be confronted with debates about the different ways of delivering welfare and the interplay between the state and the private sector.

Politics
You will also study three compulsory courses in politics:

Politics and International Relations 1A: Concepts and Debates
Politics and International Relations 1B: The Global Dimension
Political Thinkers (an introduction to political theory)
Year 2
You will take Comparative Social Policy: Global Perspectives.

This course compares different approaches to social policy in European and non-European countries.

In addition you will take Evidence Politics and Policy.

This course will enable you to critically assess how evidence is used or misused by different actors and in the media to influence public opinion.

You will also take a course on research skills and design in which you will learn how to create the foundations for high quality social research yourself.

On the politics side of the programme you will study Comparative Politics in a Globalised World.

Year 3
You will select options that cover a wide array of policy fields such as:

family policy
labour market policies
social inequalities
criminal justice
health policy
education policy
You will also take courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods and a course that will enable you to analyse policies from multiple lenses (economic political and sociological).

Year 4
You will continue to take social policy courses and will complete an individual research project.

This may involve collecting and analysing data and information from sources such as:

the European Commission
UK Government
Scottish Government
local authorities
voluntary organisations

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class research-intensive university that has been shaping the minds of students for over four centuries. Founded in 1583, it is one of Scotland's ancient universities and the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world. The university is located in the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh, which is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere.

The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, medicine, business, and law. The university has a strong reputation for academic excellence, and its graduates are known for their high level of education and employability. The university is home to some of the world's most respected research centers and institutes, including the Edinburgh College of Art, the Royal Observatory, and the Human Communication Research Centre.

Throughout its history, the University of Edinburgh has produced many notable alumni, including economist Adam Smith, philosopher David Hume, and Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland's most famous writers. The university has also produced seven Nobel Prize winners, including Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, and Peter Higgs, who proposed the Higgs boson particle.

The University of Edinburgh is also known for its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. It is home to several leading research centers and institutes that specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable energy. The university also has a strong emphasis on student engagement, and it encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs and societies, and volunteer work.

The University of Edinburgh is a diverse and inclusive community, with students and staff from all over the world. The university provides students with a supportive and challenging environment, where they can develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields. The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world, making it an excellent choice for students who are looking for a high-quality education and a great student experience.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it