Social policy Social policy is the study of societies and the way they change through policy making. It looks at the ways in which public policies, social institutions and market forces affect how contemporary societies operate and are affected by debates about social justice. Social policy is relevant to many areas of everyday life, including housing, employment, income, health and education. This programme will appeal to students who are interested in current political and social issues that appear in the news as well as longer-term changes in how societies work – whether at local, national, European or global levels. Politics Studying politics, you will explore the origins and present-day contexts of domestic and international conflicts about power and resources. You will also study the morality of political action, the limits of freedom and justice, and the processes of governance at various levels. Politics programmes focus on politics, political theory, public policy and international relations in Europe, Russia, Africa and the US.