BA Hons Social Policy & Economics at University of Strathclyde

Study with us

• social policy examines the ways in which societies distribute resources and develop services
• economics aims to understand the activities of the different agents in the economy – consumers, producers and the government – and how they all fit together
• learn about the social and economic challenges facing both Scotland and the UK
• gain insight into how different societies organise their resources to meet individual and social needs
• our BA degrees in Humanities & Social Sciences are initially broad-based. In Year 1, you'll study three subjects, including your chosen subject(s)

Why this course?

Social Policy examines the ways in which societies distribute resources and develop services to meet individual and social needs. Key social policy issues examined include poverty; economic, race, age and gender inequality; social justice health; education; criminal justice and housing.

It utilises a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to improve our understanding of how societies organise their resources to meet individual and social needs and how they measure progress in these areas. 

This programme gives you the opportunity to learn more about the social and economic challenges facing Scottish society and place these in a broader international perspective. It draws on disciplines such as history, sociology, anthropology, economics, law, psychology, social anthropology and politics.

Following the recent global economic crisis, economics is more important and relevant than ever. Decisions on money, banking, interest rates, taxation and government spending affect us all, with global consequences.

Our degree will give you the ability to explain complex data in simple terms to different audiences. You’ll also develop excellent mathematical, statistical and problem-solving skills.

Learning & teaching

Economics

Teaching is over two semesters in blocks of 12 weeks. Classes are taught through lectures, tutorials and seminars, alongside team-based projects, online materials, practical labs, online wikis, problem-based learning and interactive sessions using personal response systems.

External contributors from partnership corporate organisations are involved in teaching and/or assessment of student presentations.

Throughout the degree programme, there will be guest lectures from industry and our international partners.

The innovative and highly acclaimed Management Development Programme (MDP) is at the core of our undergraduate degrees in the Business School and comprises a series of classes which you take throughout Years 1 to 3. 

You develop knowledge and skills in key areas of management, and team-working, communication and decision-making skills, all of which are highly sought-after by employers.

Major employers and alumni from all sectors are involved in the MDP, participating in group sessions, observing student presentations, and providing feedback. Organisations involved include Barclays, Deloitte, Procter & Gamble and Ernst & Young. In first year the best teams are selected to present to senior staff in one of the sponsoring organisations, and there are prizes for the best projects.

Careers

The most common employment destinations for social policy graduates include:

• local & national government policy development and research
• regional & urban development
• business administration & management
• third sector/charity research & policy development
• children’s services
• education
• health & social welfare
• protective services

Economists can work across many different industries and often go on to specialise in individual areas, such as agriculture and manufacturing.

Our Economics graduates find work in accountancy and business services, retail and investment banking, insurance, government and industry. Job titles include:

• economist
• auditor
• management accountant
• business analyst
• investment analyst
• risk consultant
• commercial manager