Course summary

Social progress depends on effectively designed social and public policies that aim to distribute resources to maximise human welfare and minimise social disadvantage. The study of Social and Public Policy addresses the best ways to achieve these outcomes, drawing on concepts and theories from all social science disciplines. By combining your degree with a minor in Ethics and Justice, you will also explore related foundational issues in ethics and political philosophy. Students of Social and Public Policy (Ethics and Justice) consider the diversity of human needs and sources of inequality at local, national and global levels, analyse the social, political and economic context in which they exist, and engage with broader philosophical questions about value and social justice. Aiming to understand and improve societal responses to social problems and disadvantage, you will also engage with active examination of the complexity of the policy-making process in the UK and beyond. You will learn how to investigate and critically assess the role of policy actors, citizens, governments, and markets in shaping policy, and to evaluate the evidence on which policy is based. As independent, critical thinkers, York graduates in Social and Public Policy (Ethics and Social Justice) are equipped to tackle complex problems and produce creative solutions, apply sophisticated theoretical knowledge of society, policy, and philosophy, and promote collaborative approaches in their working lives. Our programme is outward-looking and incorporates strong links with the non-academic policy community, opportunities to undertake placements in policy organisations and an international perspective to studying social issues. Our Graduates have a versatility of knowledge and skills that will enable them to pursue a wide range of careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors.