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About Social Policy with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons) - at Swansea University

What human beings need and how societies meet those needs is at the heart of social policy. Our outstanding, nationally recognised degree in Social Policy will introduce you to the key theories and debates underpinning this intriguing and continually-evolving area.

The foundation year of this four-year course will introduce you to the key concepts and knowledge you need to progress to the BSc in Social Policy. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, students will progress onto Year 1 of the BSc.

The foundation year (level 3) will be delivered by The College, Swansea University (TCSU). Years 2-4 (levels 4-6) will be delivered by the College of Human and Health Sciences.

You will explore how society promotes the well-being of its members, examining themes and values such as social justice, equality, fairness, and citizenship, alongside specific policy focal points such as health, education, housing, disability, crime, poverty, and the family.

You will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to communicate your ideas effectively in a range of formats.

Why social policy at Swansea University?

Our core teaching staff have a strong, international profile in research, and regularly consult on policy in Wales, the UK and beyond.

Social Policy at Swansea is ranked:

• 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)
• 11th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)
• 7th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2024*)

*Based on the average positivity score across questions 22 to 25 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide

Your social policy experience

Optional modules give you the scope to tailor your studies to your particular interests, career goals, or plans for post-graduate study.

Based in the School of Social Sciences, you will be immersed in a dynamic research and learning environment with many opportunities to build links with students from related disciplines.

In your second year, you will have the opportunity to complete a work placement on a day release basis, enhancing your career prospects and developing your interpersonal skills. Recent employers include voluntary organisations, social housing providers, and national and local charities.

Social policy careers

A Social Policy degree opens up a wide range of career and further study opportunities. Our graduates have gone on to:

• Postgraduate study in Education, Social Research and Ageing Studies
• Research posts in universities and private social research companies
• Third Sector policy-based roles
• Work in housing policy for local government and housing associations
• Posts in the Health and Social Care sector

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Entry requirements

Contact Swansea University to find course entry requirements.

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Why study at Swansea University

There are many reasons to choose Swansea University for your studies; from the stunning beachfront locations of our Singleton Park and Bay campuses, to our global reputation for research and academic excellence, we offer a safe, supportive and fun environment to live and study, and our vast range of courses and subject areas mean you are sure to find the future career for you.

• Top 30 UK research-led university (Research Excellence Framework 2014-2021)
• Ranked within the Top 300 of universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• Voted 6th safest city in England and Wales (Complete University Guide 2024)
• UK Top 10 of the People and Planet University League (Times Good University Guide 2025)

Whether you join us for your undergraduate degree, postgraduate studies or research, you’ll receive a modern approach to learning, backed by cutting-edge facilities and an excellent research and teaching faculty.

Join Swansea and start your journey, studying in a picturesque, student-friendly city by the sea with so much to offer.