Master of Social Policy

Make a change in the world. Social policy makers weave the fabric of our society. And with the Master of Social Policy program, you can examine key developments in social policy through a global lens, with a strong emphasis on social justice and the ability to influence policy.

As a social policy maker, you can meld the needs of citizens with the roles of government and not‐for‐profit service agencies in contentious fields like employment, income support, education, health and climate change.

The Master of Social Policy enables you to understand the respective roles of government, private and not‐for‐profit sectors in meeting the needs of citizens. Understand and critique the key developments in social policy through a global lens, aiming to find ethically sustainable solutions, while considering the competing factors of social policy and the economy.

Who is the Master of Social Policy for?

People with an interest in analysing key areas of contemporary social policy, including governance, inclusion and exclusion, social capital, and globalisation. You can engage with the social dimensions of social policy – race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability and age – and understand social policy as a contested process. Apply your research skills to a range of organisational contexts and explore real world experiences through the School’s partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence social research team. You can also activate your knowledge through an Executive Internship placement over two semesters.

What is the difference between a Master of Social Policy and a Master of Public Policy?

While Social Policy is closely related to Public Policy, it is more often used to describe both government and NGO efforts to meet fundamental human needs such as aging, employment, disability, and social welfare. It deals less with the functions of the state and is more focused on the provisioning of basic services.