Social policy provides an exciting opportunity to critically analyse contemporary issues, such as inequality, unemployment and crime. This course takes an international and comparative perspective in many units, ensuring that social policy is considered in its global context.The first year introduces key concepts so that you can familiarise yourself with theoretical and comparative approaches as well as historical analyses.Year two develops conceptual frameworks further and introduces you to research methods. Years two and three allow you to explore your interests in greater depth through a range of optional units. These units vary from time to time according to current developments in global environmental, political and social issues. The final-year dissertation is an opportunity to choose a topic for in-depth investigation and independent work.