Program Overview

SOCIAL POLICY

Social Policy explores the ways in which welfare provision is delivered in society, exploring who is eligible for support and who provides it. Our Social Policy degree is multidisciplinary in its approach and draws on ideas from sociology, economics, politics and geography. It explores issues such as inequality, ill health and wellbeing, child welfare, employment and unemployment, educational opportunities, disability, homelessness, family policies, mental health, globalisation, crime and immigration.

Studying Social Policy at Liverpool Hope University allows you to explore the answers to questions such as; should the state be the main provider of welfare and what roles should the private profit making or voluntary sectors have? How should scarce resources be allocated in society? How can we understand different approaches to welfare delivery across different historical periods in British society? Why do women and minority ethnic groups experience greater levels of disadvantage? How have welfare systems developed in different countries?

The degree draws on an experienced team of lecturers who are published in the social sciences and are experts in social policy. The School is also a member of the national network of Social Policy course providers and benefits from engagement with national subject debates. There are fieldtrips to enhance your learning, and we also have annual research days where leading academics, civil servants and politicians come to talk about various social problems and social issues.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Special Educational Needs (SEN) at Liverpool Hope University is an interdisciplinary subject underpinned by the work of the Centre for Culture and Disability Studies (CCDS). Studying Special Educational Needs at Liverpool Hope University will enable you to develop an understanding of the complex relationship between disability and society. You will explore the ways that disability studies can inform our understanding of the medical and social models of disability and learn the importance of this in working with children with so-called special educational needs. The degree incorporates insights from education, the arts, humanities and health care, to ensure you gain a critical understanding of the relationship between disability and education.

A central aspect of the course is an understanding of medical and social constructions of Special Educational Needs from a historical as well more recent perspectives. You will gain a knowledge and understanding of the importance of cultural representations in shaping individual and societal relationships with disability.

By completing this degree, you will have gained an awareness of global perspectives on disability studies, inclusion, education and society as well as an understanding of the role of disabled people as activists working for equality. This degree will enable you to develop your professional and personal confidence in advocacy and education.  You will enter your professional life recognising the importance of criticality, compassion and understanding of your work with, and on behalf of, those who are disabled and/or identified as having a special educational need.