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Social & Public Policy
- MA (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 14/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Gilmorehill (Main) Campus
Course summary
Social and public policy focuses on finding ways to address global and societal challenges such as poverty and inequality, housing, health, technology and sustainability. The programme applies ideas from political science, sociology and economics to understand how governments shape their responses to address people’s needs, welfare and wellbeing.
Why study this course at the University of Glasgow?
You’ll have the valuable opportunity of a work placement with a voluntary or public sector organisation.
Career Prospects?
This degree provides many of the analytical, literary and teamwork skills that employers are looking for. Our graduates pursue careers as managers, professionals and policy analysts in the private, voluntary and public sectors including central and local government, in the UK and internationally. They work in diverse fields including housing, health, social services, advocacy, city planning, education, media and commerce.
How to apply
This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you're eligible to apply.
- EU has vacancies
- Wales has vacancies
- England has vacancies
- International has vacancies
- Scotland does not have vacancies
- Northern Ireland has vacancies
- Republic of Ireland has vacancies
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:
- L430
- Institution code:
- G28
- Campus name:
- Gilmorehill (Main) Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Social & Public Policy at University of Glasgow: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
POWERED BY 
Anna
University of GlasgowPortuguese [MA]Hi! I'm Anna, I'm 23 years old, I'm Scottish and I study Portuguese and Spanish at the University of Glasgow! Currently I am on my Year Abroad in Sintra, Portugal, at a school participating in a traineeship, which is very exciting🤩. In the future, I would like to learn more languages such as Russian and Arabic and work in translation and interpretation, maybe even as a news reporter! However, I also adore music and even write my own, so of course the dream has always been to tour around the world! But we'll see where life takes us🫣... I am also gluten and dairy intolerant (possibly allergies😱!) so I have had to learn to cook and bake to satisfy my dietary requirements and under a budget! As well as find the best places to eat to suit my needs to... Aryan
University of GlasgowCommon Law [LLB]Hi there! I'm a third-year Common Law student at the University of Glasgow, originally from New Delhi, India. It's been quite a journey from the bustling streets of my hometown to the historic campus here in Scotland! When I'm not immersed in my legal studies, I enjoy spending my free time playing football or movies. These activities provide a perfect escape from the rigors of studying case law and help me relax after intense academic sessions. My passion for law has only grown stronger since I started my degree. I'm particularly fascinated by international law and how it shapes our global society. Choosing the University of Glasgow was one of the best decisions I've made. The university's stellar reputation in the legal field was a major draw, but what really sealed the deal was the unique opportunity to study Scots law alongside English law in the Common Law degree. Plus, the chance to experience life in a vibrant city like Glasgow was too good to pass up! If you're considering Glasgow, feel free to ask me anything about life as an international student, the Common Law program, or just how to balance studies with a good football match. I'm here to help! Amenah
University of GlasgowCommon Law [LLB]Currently a second year common law student. After completing my studies I am hoping to find career in either corporate or commercial law down south. Studies can be a bit of stress sometimes, but I try to balance my studies with my social life, and definitely make sure to do the things I love. My experience of UofG has been so far great, and I am sure it will be fun further on with my studies. If you have any question regarding studies, or anything else I am happy to answer any queries. 🙂✨ Amelia
University of GlasgowBiomedical Engineering [BEng/MEng]Currently doing a BEng of Biomedical Engineering and have been enjoying it so far! I'm interested in going into academia / research and development, with a focus on areas like tissue engineering and cell mechanics. Alina
University of GlasgowMarine & Freshwater Biology [BSc/MSci]I am a second year marine biology student. I am also the GU SRC first year rep. I was on a different course before starting marine bio. I was studying Design and technology Education here at Glasgow uni. Ayra
University of GlasgowMedicine [MBChB]I'm from Pakistan but moved to the UK during secondary school. I love trying new things and the great outdoors! Not too sure what speciality of Medicine I want to go into but something fast-paced and exciting (I like a challenge). I'm very involved in uni life; I do lot of volunteering, am very involved with various society and other social aspects. Feel free to ask any questions! :) Bavishya
University of GlasgowMicrobiology [BSc/MSci]Hey! I'm Bavishya and i'm a final year Microbiology Student at UofG! I'm Indian by origin however have been raised in Singapore. So i'm definitely aware of what its like moving and living abroad :). This is my third year in Glasgow and I have had a wonderful time here so far!. So if you ever want to ask any questions about university courses, student life, accommodation or just about anything related to life as a student in Glasgow uni.. fear not and do message me :) Amber
University of GlasgowAnatomy [BSc/MSci]Hi, I'm Amber and I'm an international student from Hong Kong. I'm passionate about human anatomy and am looking to pursue a career in pathology. As one of the few UK universities that offers this subject, UofG has been great and provides a lot of flexibility in the Life Science courses. If you want to know more about any of the above, reach out and I will get back to you asap! ☺️ Ben
University of GlasgowPhysics / Theoretical Physics [BSc/MSci]I’m a first-generation university student, studying theoretical physics. At school, I became curious as to how we can understand the universe using concepts and equations; so studying physics felt like the thing I should do. I’m still not sure exactly what I want to do after university - there’s a wide range of research opportunities if I want to stay in physics, but lots of very different careers I could maybe see myself going into instead. Arwa
University of GlasgowPharmacology [BSc/MSci]My long-term career plans? Well, let’s just say I’m aiming for somewhere between a lab genius discovering the next big breakthrough and a science communicator who makes pharmacology sound cooler than it is (and trust me, it’s pretty cool). I am passionate about science and how it can change lives in such meaningful ways and my end goal is to make medicine a bit more accessible than it is today. Outside of academics, you’ll probably find me on the basketball court or volunteering—I love working with kids and finding ways to make learning fun for them (yes, teaching can be fun!). I also juggle a few roles like being a Class Rep and basketball convener so I’m pretty familiar with what it takes to balance the chaos of uni life. Spoiler: it’s a lot of caffeine and a lot of to-do lists. Ashley
University of GlasgowPharmacology [BSc/MSci]I'm a student from Malaysia currently studying at the University of Glasgow. I love exploring new places, learning new things and I'm always looking to grow through new experiences. Amy
University of GlasgowEducation With Primary Teaching Qualification [MEduc]Study: I am currently studying for a master's in Education with Primary Teaching Qualification. Student life: I enjoy spending my free time trying new food places around Glasgow and volunteering for various societies. Other: I love to travel and have been on a variety of travel placements that have been supported by the university, such as working at camps in America and Canada, going on a pilgrimage to Palestine, and studying a semester abroad in Austria.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB - BBB
Scottish Higher
Please refer to the University of Glasgow website for Scottish SQA Higher entry requirements linked here. Once you follow the link, please select your degree programme of interest and refer to the 'Entry Requirements' tab on the individual degree webpage: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
The University welcomes applications from candidates who have sat BTEC National Diploma (Level 3) Qualifications. Please refer to the University of Glasgow website for BTEC entry requirements linked here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/how-to-apply-for-an-undergraduate-degree/entry-requirements/admissions-guidance/#btec
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Please refer to the University of Glasgow website for International Baccalaureate entry requirements linked here. Once you follow the link, please select your degree programme of interest and refer to the 'Entry Requirements' tab on the individual degree webpage: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/
For the most up to date and detailed entry requirements including any subject-specific requirements, please refer to the University of Glasgow website: www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | 6.5 with no subtests under 6. We accept IELTS One Skill Retake. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 years of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements with a single test. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 years of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements. |
| PTE Academic | 59 | 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 years of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test. |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall, no subtest less than 169. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 year sof start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall, no subtest less than 169. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 year sof start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test. |
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. We do recognise that some applicants may already have a good command of English through education and work experience. However, in line with UKVI requirements, we must insist on a satisfactory English language test. You can also meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school. Please note that these are the University’s standard requirements and for some courses these may be higher. Applicants should always check the specific requirements for their chosen course.
Full details of our English language requirements including which school qualifications we accept can be found on our website: https://www.gla.ac.uk/international/englishlanguage/requirements/
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Our contextual admissions approach could mean that you may be eligible for adjusted grades. Please review our website for more information on our widening access priorities at www.gla.ac.uk/study/wp.
The entry requirements for a programme will be detailed in your offer. If you meet these conditions, you are guaranteed a place on the programme.
Our programmes may require specific grades in mandatory subjects. Please review our programme pages on our website for more information.
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 10 other sociology, social policy and anthropology courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*A*A
- Highest grades
- BBB
- 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
No fee information has been provided for this course
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 refer to the fees information listed on our website - https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees/
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