Social policy empowers you to understand society and transform it for the better. It explores how governments and communities create solutions to real-world issues like poverty, education, and health, shaping a fairer world for everyone.
At the University of Birmingham, you’ll see this understanding come to life. Set in one of the UK’s most diverse and dynamic cities, Birmingham is the perfect place to see how policy decisions influence and transform communities. But there are many more reasons why the university’s social policy programmes should be your top choice:
1. You get to learn in a city that reflects the world
Birmingham is one of the UK’s youngest, most diverse, and most creative cities — an energetic hub where cultures, ideas, and communities meet. Over 180 nationalities call it home, and more than 40% of its population is under the age of 25.
“My classmates came from all over the world, and the diverse perspectives we shared have proved incredibly valuable in my international role today as the Chief Manager of the Smart Hospital Development Department and International Medical Service at Renji Hospital,” says Michael Wang, an MSc Health Care Policy and Management graduate.
The city itself is a living laboratory where you can observe real-world challenges and innovative policy responses. From urban regeneration projects, such as the Big City Plan, to community initiatives addressing housing inequality, access to education, and youth engagement, Birmingham is host to many examples of policy in action. Studying here means being surrounded by the energy and diversity that define modern urban life, and using that energy to learn, question, and contribute.
Social Policy at the University of Birmingham is ranked second in the Complete University Guide 2026. Source: University of Birmingham
2. Birmingham is the most targeted university by top graduate employers
Birmingham graduates are in high demand. For two consecutive years, the University of Birmingham has been the most targeted university by the UK’s top graduate employers, according to the Graduate Market in 2025 report.
Much of this success stems from the skills students develop during their time at the university: analytical thinking, research fluency, and strong communication. These capabilities make graduates highly valued across various sectors, including government, NGOs, business, and international organisations. Placement opportunities, career workshops, and alumni connections further help translate their studies into impact.
“My time at the University of Birmingham prepared me for the complexity of international healthcare management and equipped me with the leadership and collaboration skills to innovate in a global context,” Wang says.
3. You will be equipped to tackle global challenges
Social issues don’t stop at national borders, and neither does your education at Birmingham. The School of Social Policy and Society offers internationally-focused master’s degrees in Global Public Policy, Social Policy, Sociology, Global Criminology and Criminal Justice, Social Work, Health Care Policy and Management, and Global Health System Leadership. Each is designed to prepare you to tackle policy challenges across cultures and contexts.
You’ll learn from leading scholars and researchers from around the world and examine issues such as global inequality, migration, sustainability, and welfare reform. With opportunities to engage in international research projects and discussions that span continents, you’ll develop the skills and global perspective needed to drive change wherever your career takes you.
As the UK’s largest city outside London, Birmingham is a vibrant and diverse hub, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds. Source: University of Birmingham
4. You’ll be ready to lead across sectors
Social policy at Birmingham draws on sociology, criminology, economics, politics, and more, providing a well-rounded understanding of how social systems interact. This interdisciplinary approach trains you to see the bigger picture and to design solutions that address complex, real-world problems.
You’ll explore questions like how policy affects inequality, how political decisions influence welfare, and how communities can build resilience. Just ask Muditha Rupavath, an international student from India, pursuing an MA in Global Public Policy. “Birmingham’s interdisciplinary approach doesn’t let you view policy in silos; it teaches you to see the full ecosystem of actors, incentives, and lived experiences that shape change,” she says.
The result? You’ll leave equipped to lead across sectors, whether in government, NGOs, academia, or corporate social responsibility.
5. You’ll be part of a historical institution
Founded in 1900 as England’s first civic university, the University of Birmingham has long been dedicated to research and education that create real-world impact. Home to the pioneering Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies and influential figures like François Lafitte, it has shaped our understanding of culture, identity, and social policy.
Today, that legacy powers forward. Ranked second in the Complete University Guide 2026, Social Policy at Birmingham continues to turn research into action, arming future policymakers, leaders, and changemakers with the tools to drive real-world transformation.
In fact, this was what drew Rupavath here. “The university’s strong reputation in social policy, along with the placement pathway that encourages hands-on learning, made it stand out as a place that values both rigorous thinking and meaningful, practical engagement,” she says. “I cannot wait to use what I’ve learned here to help shape equitable and sustainable public systems back home in India.”
Apply to the University of Birmingham now.
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