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The MSc in Comparative Social Policy explores welfare systems and policy developments across a range of countries with an OECD focus. The comparative element is a key part of the course, and is one feature that makes the course at Oxford unique.
The central aim of the course is to provide high quality graduate level research training in social policy, taking a comparative perspective, concentrating primarily on industrialised/developed countries. More specific aims are to develop your capacity to:
- analyse, interpret and review the major concepts, theoretical approaches and historical and contemporary issues in social policy and welfare state development in a range of OECD countries or systems;
- analyse and compare specific areas of social policy (for example health or education) in different countries or systems, drawing on both empirical data and broader theoretical literature; and
- undertake both quantitative and qualitative research studies, and to understand the major issues involved in research design and technical analysis in social policy related research.
You will study a core paper in comparative social policy and social policy analysis. This paper covers the theories, principles, history and institutions of social policy, and is taught via a closely-linked package of lectures, seminars, small working seminars and individual tutorials. You will also engage in detailed work on social policy analysis through lectures, seminars and presentations.
The research methods skills, covering both quantitative and qualitative methods, are taught in a mix of lectures, classes, workshops and ‘hands-on’ computer lab based weekly training sessions. In addition, there is a course on the principles of comparative research design.
You will also have the opportunity to take at least one specialist course from a list of options focusing on a particular social policy area or the application of evidence-based intervention. You are examined in one of these option courses. Recent options offered include education policies, family policies, healthcare, labour market policies and poverty.
Your performance will be assessed through formative and summative assignments/papers. Knowledge of the substantive areas of social policy is assessed by two three hour papers at the end of the third term. One will cover comparative social policy and social policy analysis in general; the other will focus on your chosen area of specialism. The research method skills are assessed by means of formal course assignments and ‘methods essays’ on published research papers. In addition, you will be required to provide a 10,000-word dissertation.
1. Academic ability
Proven and potential academic excellence
Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any discipline. There is no requirement on subject area and students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds are considered.
However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.
No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
2. English language requirement
Higher level
Test |
Standard level scores |
Higher level scores |
||
IELTS Academic |
7.0 | Minimum 6.5 per component | 7.5 | Minimum 7.0 per component |
TOEFL iBT |
100 |
Minimum component scores:
|
110 |
Minimum component scores:
|
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) | 185 |
Minimum 176 per component |
191 |
Minimum 185 per component |
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) | 185 |
Minimum 176 per component |
191 |
Minimum 185 per component |
3. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
- Three references (letters of recommendation)
- Official transcript(s) of previous university-level degrees
- CV/résumé
- Statement of purpose/personal statement: Up to 1,000 words
- Written work: Two essays of 2,500 words each
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
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