Social Policy with Quantitative Methods (with Placement Year) MA
Central Area Campus, United Kingdom
Social Policy with Quantitative Methods (with Placement Year) MA (Hons)
University of Edinburgh
Social Policy and Quantitative Methods
Program Overview: Social Policy with Quantitative Methods MA (Hons)
Social Policy with Quantitative Methods at the University of Edinburgh enables you to engage confidently with major political debates of our time, covering policy areas such as health, welfare, labour markets, education, and family and childhood. The program equips you with the knowledge to understand how policies affect society and the economy while critically assessing how policies are made and what actors and processes influence the policy-making process.
This program receives support and funding from the UK-wide Q-Step initiative, meaning you benefit from small class sizes and develop your skills in close proximity to experts. One quarter of your study time is devoted to quantitative methods, where you learn how to research policy using data in practical settings. There is also plenty of support available if you are less confident with maths.
Studied over four years, the Scottish MA (Hons) structure gives you the flexibility to explore a range of subjects outside your chosen degree in Years 1 and 2, broadening your academic perspective. In Year 3, you have the opportunity to undertake a summer work placement or study abroad, and in Year 4 you complete a dissertation alongside advanced optional courses.
Key Program Highlights
- Ranked 10th in the world for Social Policy and Administration in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
- Funded by the Q-Step initiative offering small class sizes and close expert mentorship in quantitative methods
- Summer placement opportunity in Year 3 with prestigious host institutions focused on statistical evidence in policy-making
- Flexible Scottish four-year degree structure allowing cross-disciplinary study in Years 1 and 2
Curriculum and Modules
The curriculum blends core social policy courses with dedicated quantitative methods training across all four years. You take compulsory courses in social policy analysis alongside statistical modelling, with increasing specialisation and the opportunity to select from advanced methods options as you progress through the program.
Introduction to Social Policy
20 creditsIntroduces key ways to analyse how government policies affect society, covering welfare systems, political engagement, and citizen participation across local, national, and global contexts.
Quantitative Methods for Social Scientists
20 creditsDevelops foundational skills in data handling and numerical evidence, covering core statistical techniques used in social science research and evidence-based policy analysis.
Comparative Social Policy
20 creditsExamines how different systems of social policy result in varying relationships between the state, markets, and other actors, using comparative analysis across multiple countries.
Statistical Modelling for Social Scientists
20 creditsBuilds advanced statistical modelling skills specifically tailored for social science applications, enabling rigorous quantitative analysis of policy outcomes and social phenomena.
Policy Analysis and Communication
20 creditsEnables you to analyse and communicate policies from multiple lenses including economic, political, and sociological perspectives, developing critical assessment and presentation skills.
Dissertation
40 creditsAn individual research project completed in Year 4 that allows you to apply your combined social policy knowledge and quantitative methods skills to an original research question of your choice.
Elective and Optional Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to this program is competitive and requires a strong academic background, including demonstrated ability in mathematics. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu, who will guide you through the entire process and confirm your eligibility based on your qualifications.
Academic Requirements
- SQA HighersAAAB by end of S5 or AAAA by end of S6 (BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6)
- A LevelsAAA (or ABB for widening access applicants)
- IB Diploma37 points with 666 at Higher Level (or 34 points with 655 at HL for widening access)
- Subject RequirementsMathematics at B (SQA Higher), A Level Mathematics at B or AS Mathematics at A, or IB HL Mathematics at 5
- English RequirementSQA National 5 English at C, GCSE English at C or 4, or IB SL English at 5
English Language Requirements
- IELTS AcademicOverall 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component (contact Uni4Edu to confirm band requirements)
- TOEFL iBTOverall 92 (contact Uni4Edu for component score requirements)
- PTE AcademicContact Uni4Edu for current accepted scores
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international undergraduate students. Awards vary from partial tuition support to comprehensive packages covering tuition and living costs. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on funding options that match your profile and eligibility.
Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships
Competitive awards for outstanding international students demonstrating academic excellence. These scholarships are assessed based on academic merit, interview performance, and the applicant's scholarship statement.
Q-Step Program Placement Bursaries
Funding support linked to the Q-Step initiative that may be available to students undertaking summer placements in Year 3, helping cover costs associated with the work placement experience.
External Scholarships (Chevening, GREAT, Commonwealth)
Varies by scheme (some cover full tuition and living costs)Prestigious external funding opportunities available to eligible international students. The GREAT Scholarship offers support for students from selected countries, while Chevening and Commonwealth schemes provide comprehensive funding packages.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
There is currently a significant shortage of graduates with advanced quantitative skills in the UK, meaning graduates from this program with broad numerical and analytical skills are highly valued by employers. The combination of social policy expertise and quantitative methods training opens doors to a wide range of fulfilling careers across the public, private, and third sectors.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employer Sectors
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world, with its Social Policy subject area achieving particularly strong results. The university is ranked 4th in the UK for research power based on the Research Excellence Framework, and its School of Social and Political Science is home to globally recognised programs.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Social Policy and Administration | QS World Subject Rankings | #10 |
| Sociology | QS World Subject Rankings | #28 |
| Politics and International Relations | QS World Subject Rankings | #27 |
| Social Anthropology | QS World Subject Rankings | #17 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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