Ulster University
Cromore Road
Coleraine
BT52 1SA
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Course contact details
Admissions
Email:admissions@ulster.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)28 9536 7890
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Course summary
In an increasingly uncertain and fast-changing world, questions around human need, welfare, inequality and wealth distribution are to the fore of public discourse and affect all our lives. These debates are at the heart of social policy. In studying this degree, students will explore how concerns such as new social risks and precarity are experienced by individuals and communities and addressed by policy. These significant challenges require students to critically engage with historical perspectives and contrasting conceptual approaches. Students will also be expected to develop their understanding of the complexities of policy making and governance at regional, national and international levels.
Graduates have high employment rates, pursuing careers in the public sector, working in local or central government, helping to formulate policy, or manage key services. Some build careers in the voluntary sector and in campaigning organisations with a focus on social issues; others pursue a career in social research methods, as a research assistant or research officer, working as part of a team.
Graduates are well equipped with the skills to work in other areas such as management and research consultancy. Some proceed to further study, pursuing a PhD or one of a range of MSc degrees including Social Policy, Criminology and Health Promotion. This degree may give exemption from some aspects of study for those seeking professional qualifications in housing and health service management, and is a popular route into the fast-track social work qualification.
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L401
- Institution code:
- U20
- Campus name:
- Belfast
- Campus Code:
- B
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - BCC
Applicants can satisfy the requirement for the third A-Level Grade by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.
Note: BTEC Level 3 RQF Foundation Diploma, Diploma and Extended Diplomas in Children's Play, Learning and Development are not accepted.
BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Certificate in Children's Play, Learning and Development is accepted
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/equivalence
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/undergraduate-entry-requirements
Access to HE Diploma - D: 12 credits M: 30 credits P: 3 credits
Pass Access Course (120 credits) with an overall mark of 60%.
Scottish Higher - BCCCC
Scottish Advanced Higher - CDD
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
12 at higher level. Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile. Grade 4 in Higher or Subsidiary Level English Language is also required.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
104 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of four subjects at Higher Level and one subject at Ordinary Level. English Grade H6 or above (HL) or Grade 04 or above (Ordinary Level) if not sitting at Higher Level.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
You must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass in English Language at grade C or above (or equivalent). The Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences will accept Essential Skills Level 2 Communication as equivalent to GCSE English Language.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Additional Entry Requirements
This course is a 'regulated and/or care position' within the meaning of the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (NI) Order 2003 (POCVA) and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. It may involve access to children and/or vulnerable adults and is therefore subject to an Access NI criminal history check, the fee for which is £33.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course and 2 other social policy courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- BBB
- Highest grades
- CDD
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EU | £17490 | Year 1 |
| International | £17490 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4855* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £4855* | Year 1 |
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Please note that fees for Home and GB for 2026/27 have not yet been set by Department for the Employment in NI and will be subject to an inflationary increase from 2025/26.
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