Analyse the central concepts of social policy, illustrating how they influence policy decisions and welfare outcomes

Definitions and scope of social policy
Key concepts: welfare, equality, equity, social justice, citizenship, need, poverty, inequality
The role of the state, market, voluntary and informal sectors
Universalism vs selectivism
Devolution and governance in the UK
Case studies demonstrating how concepts shape welfare provision (e.g. health, housing, social care)
The relationship between ideology, political priorities, and resource allocation

Evaluate the implications of social policy theories for contemporary issues in health and social care

Overview of key political ideologies and theoretical perspectives such as:
Liberalism
Conservatism
Social democracy
Marxism
Feminism
Neoliberalism

Application of theory to current issues (e.g. health inequalities, ageing population, austerity, public health reform, social care funding)
Critical evaluation of policy effectiveness and unintended consequences
Debates around privatisation, personalisation, and integrated care
The impact of social policy on service users and practitioners

Explain the main stages involved in the development of social policy
The policy cycle: agenda setting, formulation, consultation, legislation, implementation, evaluation, reform
Key actors in policy development (government departments, local authorities, pressure groups, professionals, service users)
The influence of evidence, research, media, and public opinion
The role of consultation and stakeholder engagement
Monitoring, review, and policy change
UK examples illustrating the policy development process

Assessment

Open Book Examination

Weighting: 100%

Assesses all module learning outcomes.

You will undertake a two-hour timed assessment in supervised conditions answering a series of questions linked to all learning outcomes. You will have access to a template that you can complete by hand or via ICT and bring with you into the exam. You will use these notes on the template provided to aid you in answering the examination questions.

Two weeks before the exam you will be provided with the social policy topic area e.g. housing, poverty, youth crime, etc and note template. You will use this two-week period to complete the template.

Rationale: This assessment will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the development and implementation of social policy. The open-book nature of the exam gives you the opportunity to plan and revise a particular topic area, this allows the assessment to be accessible to all students, no need to be intimidated by the word exam in this novel approach.

The module will employ a range of teaching and learning approaches appropriate to Level 5 study, designed to support your knowledge acquisition, skills development, and your engagement.

Teaching will include interactive lectures to introduce key concepts and seminars to consolidate understanding through structured discussion. Small group work tasks, case studies, and problem-based learning activities will promote collaboration and application of theory to practice-based contexts.

You will engage in directed independent study, supported by guided reading and resources available via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Digital tools will be used to facilitate learning, communication, and formative assessment activities.

Opportunities for formative feedback, including draft tasks and peer review, will support academic development and progression. Collectively, these strategies aim to develop your subject knowledge, critical thinking, professional skills, and independent learning appropriate to undergraduate study.

1. Analyse the central concepts of social policy, illustrating how they influence law, policy decisions and welfare outcomes.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Evaluate the implications of social policy theories for contemporary issues in health and social care.

Application and Problem Solving

3. Explain the main stages involved in the development of social policy.

Knowledge and Understanding

Alcock, P. and Gregory, L. (2022) Social Policy in Britain. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

A comprehensive and engaging introduction to social policy. By breaking down the complexities behind policy developments and their outcomes, this book demonstrates the relationship between core areas of policy and the society we live in.

Morgan, J. and La Placa, V. (eds.) (2025) Contemporary Issues in Health and Social Care Policy and Practice: A Comparative Introduction. London: Routledge.

A comparative analysis of health and social care policy and practice from around the world, with learning points drawn out for the UK. It supports readers to improve practice by reflecting on differences and similarities in the policies of other OECD countries.

Understanding Theories and Concepts in Social Policy (2024) Understanding Theories and Concepts in Social Policy. Bristol: Bristol University Press.

Demonstrating the relevance of theory to political and policy debates and practice, this book helps students to grasp the real-life implications of social policy theory.

Sarah Stachowiak (2013) Pathways for Change https://www.evaluationinnovation.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Pathways-for-Change.pdf

This important document covers ten theories that inform advocacy and policy change efforts. Its focus is on theories most directly applicable to either understanding how policy change happens or how specific advocacy tactics play out.

Brammer, A., 2024. Social Work Law. 6th ed. Harlow: Pearson.

One of the main law textbooks used by social work and health & social care students in the UK. Explains key legislation in accessible language. Covers: safeguarding, children and family law, adult social care law, mental health law, and human rights in care practice.

How do government decisions shape the health, wellbeing, and life chances of individuals and communities?

This module offers a critical introduction to social policy and its influence on health and social care. You will explore key ideas such as welfare, equality, social justice, and the role of the state, and consider how these concepts shape the policies that affect people’s everyday lives.

You will examine major social policy theories and apply them to current issues such as health inequalities, social care reform, and the delivery of public services. The module also introduces the policy-making process, exploring how policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated.

By the end of the module, you will have developed the analytical skills needed to engage critically with policy debates and understand how social policy influences practice across health and social care settings.