MA Social Science Research (Social Policy and Social Work)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Nottingham

Program Overview

The MA Social Science Research (Social Policy and Social Work) at the University of Nottingham is perfect if you're passionate about tackling real-world issues like inequality, policy reform, and social justice through advanced research—it's designed for students aiming for a PhD or research career in these fields. You'll get hands-on training in cutting-edge methods, work closely with expert supervisors on your own independent project, and build skills that open doors to impactful roles in policy, academia, or social work.

### Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (Taught Modules):
You'll dive into core research skills right away, starting with modules like Social Work with Adults and Social Work with Children and Families, where you'll explore practical issues such as safeguarding, mental capacity under the Care Act, child protection, and working effectively with diverse groups—from older people and those with learning disabilities to children in the care system. Teaching comes from academics, practicing social workers, and service users with lived experience, giving you a grounded, real-world perspective that sharpens your ability to apply theory in practice. You'll also tackle Policy Making and Policy Analysis, examining key concepts, models, and theories of how policies are made in Britain and beyond, building your expertise in government decision-making.

Dissertation Phase (End of Programme):
Building on your taught foundation, you'll plan, design, carry out, and write up a 12,000-word independent research project under staff supervision, tailored to social policy or social work—putting everything you've learned into a substantial piece of original work. This capstone lets you apply advanced subject knowledge and research skills, choosing a topic that excites you, like contemporary debates in social work or policy impacts on society. It's your chance to shine and produce research that could influence real policy and practice.

Focus Areas:
Critical policy analysis, social work practice with vulnerable groups, theoretical debates in sociology and social work, research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, and independent project work in social policy/social work.

Learning Outcomes:
Develop advanced research skills for PhD-level study; gain critical understanding of policy-making, social work theories, and contemporary issues; master ethical research design, data analysis, and reflexive practice; produce publishable independent research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Pathway aligns with ESRC doctoral training requirements via the Midlands Graduate School, providing core research training recognized for PhD funding; draws on Centre for Social Work's expertise in programs meeting UK social work registration standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Nottingham is the most targeted UK university by top employers (High Fliers Research 2024, top 10 since 2013); School of Sociology and Social Policy is a world-leading center with research influencing public policy, taught by internationally renowned experts.

[Official program page](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/course/taught/social-science-research-criminology-sociology-social-policy-social-work-ma)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Nottingham's MA Social Science Research (Social Policy and Social Work), you'll dive straight into hands-on learning that builds real-world research skills from day one. Through core research methods modules worth 60 credits, you'll master practical techniques like designing studies, collecting data from diverse sources, and analyzing it ethically—using actual datasets on topics such as social policy issues, voter behavior, and wellbeing. You'll get plenty of group work, including workshops on focus groups, individual interviews (structured, semi-structured, and narrative styles), and student presentations to sharpen your collaboration and communication skills. Seminars in smaller groups let you tackle case studies and real policy debates, all supported by the School of Sociology and Social Policy's cutting-edge research environment at University Park Campus, with its modern facilities, libraries, and green spaces.

This pathway equips you with everything from analytical tools to fieldwork prep, so here are some standout experiential elements tailored to social policy and social work research:

- Group projects and practical workshops: Hands-on sessions in research design and qualitative methods, including group interviews, focus groups, and using stimulus materials like vignettes for social policy scenarios.
- Research centres for collaboration: Join five dynamic centres (e.g., Centre for Social Work, Criminal Justice Research Centre, Welfare, Health and Social Care Research Centre) where you'll work alongside staff and PhD students on themes like social justice, health/wellbeing, policy analysis, and social care for adults and families.
- Datasets and analytical tools: Practice with real-world political and social science datasets covering social capital, inequalities, migration, and demonstrations—no specific software named, but emphasis on practical data analysis and ethical research organization.
- Dissertation with expert guidance: A 60-credit independent project plus 60 credits of subject-specific pathway modules, often linking to ongoing projects like participatory research with community partners (e.g., POW Nottingham on crime reporting) or multi-site studies on justice and wellbeing.
- Campus facilities: Access University Park's libraries, Law and Social Sciences building, and interdisciplinary hubs like the Institute for Science and Society for policy-focused work—all in a sustainable 300-acre setting with student support.

Imagine applying these skills to a career in policy research or PhD—students rave about how it preps them perfectly. Ready to take the next step? Check the full course page and apply today: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/course/taught/social-science-research-criminology-sociology-social-policy-social-work-ma

Progression & Future Opportunities

In the MA Social Science Research (Social Policy and Social Work) at the University of Nottingham, you'll dive straight into practical skills through hands-on research methods training, group work, and real-world projects that mirror professional social science roles. You'll use datasets on key topics like social policy issues—such as voter turnout, social capital, and class voting—while mastering research design, from case selection to data collection and ethical analysis. Sessions include workshops on individual and group interviews (like focus groups and narrative approaches), student presentations, film viewings, and seminars for debating real case studies, all building your ability to turn questions into actionable research.

This experiential focus equips you with tools used by experts at Nottingham: here's what stands out for the program:

- Group projects and collaborative work: Engage in small-group seminars, discussions, and presentations analyzing social policy datasets and case studies, plus opportunities to join postgraduate-led initiatives like the ENQUIRE blog and annual conference.
- Research centres for hands-on involvement: Access five key centres (e.g., Centre for Social Work, Centre for Policy Research, Well-being, Health and Social Care Research Centre) grouping staff and students on themes like social work, policy analysis, health, wellbeing, and inequalities—perfect for policy-focused projects.
- Practical research training via ESRC-aligned modules: Core 60-credit methods modules cover analytical and ethical research organisation, with subject-specific training in social policy/social work; culminates in a 60-credit dissertation applying skills to real social issues.
- University Park Campus facilities: Study in a 300-acre sustainable campus with libraries, the Students’ Union, and Law and Social Sciences building—home to social policy research—offering spaces for independent study and group work.
- No specific software, internships, field trips, or designated labs mentioned for this program, but the emphasis is on practical tools like vignettes, stimulus materials, and datasets for interviews and analysis.

This setup not only hones your skills but positions you strongly for PhDs, research careers, or policy roles—students rave about the vibrant community. Ready to apply? Check the full facilities details here: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/sociology/about/index.aspx.