Enabling Social Change (Taught)

This course offers an innovative approach to understanding social policy and social change, drawing on the strengths of the social sciences. Staff engaged in research on poverty, inequality, and exploitation contribute to its development. It is designed for professionals in the public and third sectors as well as graduates of social science and related fields.

The programme will help you develop an advanced understanding of how social change occurs, exploring the evolving zeitgeist and the dynamic nature of social transformation. You’ll investigate the impact of public unrest and state responses to demands for policy change.

You will also learn about the forces and actors that drive social change, including public sector organisations, community groups, think tanks, political parties, and activist groups. Real-life examples of social change, both from the UK and internationally, will be examined, covering topics such as deep-rooted social inequality, universal basic income, food poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and charity/aid issues.

Additionally, the course will provide you with insight into theories of social change and their relevance to current debates on politics, populism, globalisation, and neoliberalism. Practical skills will be developed to help you apply your knowledge effectively in the field of social policy, enhancing your research and practice skills.

Structured around three core modules, this course is a key component of a suite of social science postgraduate programmes aimed at preparing you to be a critical and analytical actor in an evolving social world.