Social Policy
What is Social Policy?
Social policy is the study of actions and decisions of government that contribute to the wellbeing of the population and individuals. It involves policy areas such as social security and welfare, disability, health, education, employment services, Indigenous peoples, community services and child protection. The study of social policy is particularly interested in understanding the values and ideas underpinning policy and the impact of policy on issues of equity, fairness and social justice. Social policy research critically analyses actual and proposed policy. It identifies the strengths and weaknesses of policy, the political dynamics behind policy, and asks the important question of who benefits from government policy?
What will I study?
Courses in Social Policy examine the structure and distribution of government policy to assist and enhance the wellbeing of Australians and how these arrangements have changed over time in response to political, social and economic factors. Students also learn about policy implementation and service delivery as important elements in making social policy. Courses focusing on specific areas of social policy include:
- Health
- Indigenous Peoples
- Social and Income Security, and
- The Economy and Employment.
A final-year course provides students with a simulated policy experience. Students develop a policy proposal in the form of a pseudo-Cabinet Submission which is sent to the appropriate government Minister.
What job can I get?
Graduates in Social Policy are well suited for careers in the State and Federal Governments as public servants, policy analysts and advisors to the Minister. Jobs in non-government agencies and community sector agencies and peak advocacy bodies also require Social Policy graduates. Social policy analysis skills are also highly relevant for staff delivering and managing social services.
How can I study Social Policy?
You can study Social Policy at UQ in the following ways:
- Within the Bachelor of Social Work
- Bachelor of Social Science (as a major or sequence of elective courses)
- Bachelor of Arts (as a sequence of elective courses)
- As an elective as part of other programs offered by UQ
