module specification

This module offers an in-depth exploration of how social policies and legislations shape health and social care systems. The module will also explore ways in which interdisciplinary theories inform social policies decisions and how these impact individuals, communities and societies. You will develop a critical understanding of how social policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated, with a particular focus on issues such as health, disability, housing, employment, and education. You will explore the intersections between social, cultural, political, and economic contexts and their role in shaping health outcomes. The module aims to enhance students' ability to evaluate health inequalities and the integration of social justice principles in policy-making. By exploring citizen engagement and advocacy, the module encourages students to reflect on the role of grassroots movements in shaping policy and fostering social change. Through comparative analyses such as the exploration of case studies and encouraging you to draw from your own knowledge and experience of policies you are familiar with, you will critically assess how different countries address similar health and social care issues. The module encourages you to reflect on how citizen engagement and advocacy movements contribute to policy development and social change. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to critically evaluate social policies and their impact on health inequalities, and to apply interdisciplinary knowledge and theories to diverse policy issues.

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The module covers the following themes:

Principles and Scope of Social Policy: introduction to social policies and their role in addressing societal issues in the context of health and social care issues such as health, education, environment, housing, and employment (LO 1, 2)

Key Interdisciplinary Theories in Policy: exploration of interdisciplinary theories to understand policy impact  (LO 1, 3).

Social Policy Interventions and Global Social Issues: comparative analysis of policies addressing health and social care issues across countries, examining outcomes on health and well-being (LO 2, 3). 

Citizen Engagement and Social Change: case studies on how grassroots movements and advocacy impact social policy development  (LO 2, 4).

Ethics, Social Justice, and Policy Impact on Health: analysing the ethical implications of social policies on various communities (LO 3, 4).

The module employs a blended learning approach, combining scheduled lectures, seminars, and independent study. Lectures introduce key concepts and provide an overview of social policy frameworks. Seminars offer an interactive space for students to critically engage with real-world examples, comparing policies across different countries and discussing global issues. Case study analysis helps contextualise the practical implications of social policy decisions, fostering critical thinking about policy impacts on diverse populations.

In addition to scheduled teaching activities, students are encouraged to engage in independent study, including reading academic and non academic sources, engaging with online resources, and participating in online discussion boards. The module’s emphasis on blended learning allows students to engage both synchronously (through face-to-face activities) and asynchronously (via online forums and resources), promoting a flexible learning environment.

Reflective learning is central to the module’s design. Students will be encouraged to consider the ethical and social justice implications of social policies, assessing their own values and the broader implications of policy decisions. Opportunities for personal and professional development (PDP) are embedded in the assessments, which require students to reflect critically on citizen engagement and the role of advocacy in shaping policy. These reflective practices not only deepen students’ understanding but also enhance their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world settings.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Identify and explain key interdisciplinary theories and concepts within social policy relevant to health and social care
2. Analyse the impact of social, cultural, political and economic contexts on health and social care policies, with a global perspective
3. Critically evaluate the role of social policy in addressing health inequalities and promoting social justice
4. Consider the influence of citizen engagement and advocacy movements in shaping social policy and fostering social change and reflect on your own personal and/or professional development.

Ellison, N. and Haux, T. (eds) (2020) Handbook on Society and Social Policy. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.

Yi, I., Kaasch, A. and Stetter, K. (eds) (2024) Emerging Trends in Social Policy from the South: Challenges and Innovations in Emerging Economies. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing 

Barnard, A., Calabria, V., and Griffiths, L. (eds) (2023) Key Themes in Health and Social Care: A Companion to Learning. 2nd edn. London: Routledge 

Blank, R. H., Burau, V. and Kuhlmann, E. (2017) Comparative Health Policy. 5th edn. London: Bloomsbury Publishing. 

Haines, S. and Ruebain, D. (eds) (2025) Education, Disability and Social Policy. 2nd edn. Bristol: Policy Press. 

Pinker, R. (2024) Social Theory and Social Policy. Paperback edn. London: Taylor & Francis Ltd.

Brown, P. (2022) Mental Health Care and Social Policy. London: Taylor & Francis Ltd.

Hill, M. and Irving, Z. (2020) Exploring the World of Social Policy: An International Approach. Bristol: Policy Press.

Crewe, S. E. (ed.) (2024) Race and Social Policy. London: Routledge.

Yeates, N. and Holden, C. (eds) (2022) Understanding Global Social Policy. 2nd edn. Bristol: Policy Press.

Adesina, J. O. (ed.) (2021) Social Policy in the African Context. Dakar: CODESRIA.

Social Policy and Society Journal

Policy and Society Journal

Critical Social Policy Journal

Global Social Policy Journal