Social sciences

Study a postgraduate degree informed by the latest scholarship and taught by researchers of international excellence.

Live sessions

Speak to Social Sciences Staff
Registration open
17 March, 12:00 - 14:00
Speak with Social Sciences Students
Registration open
17 March, 12:00 - 14:00
MA Social Work in the School of Social Sciences Webinar
Registration open
17 March, 12:00 - 12:40
PGCE (PCET) in the School of Social Sciences
Registration open
17 March, 13:00 - 13:30

Why study with us

Our postgraduate programmes in the School of Social Sciences enable an academic and applied understanding of social life, and provide the intellectual tools – knowledge, analysis, argument, judgement - with which to engage with current social and public debate.

Employable graduates

99.5% of our master’s graduates were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating (HESA 2016/17).

World-leading research

Our degrees are taught by researchers at the forefront of their subjects, whose expertise and insight inform governments and policy-makers regionally, nationally and globally.

Interdisciplinary study

We are an interdisciplinary School, with a strong belief in the benefits of studying alongside, and collaborating with, complementary areas of expertise.

Our talks and videos

The School of Social Sciences

Head of School Professor Tom Hall on what makes the School of Social Sciences such a great place to study.

MSc Education

Professor Manuel Souto-Otero explains the MSc Education at Cardiff University. This one year programme provides an in-depth understanding of education as a field of study, and the connections between education and other social institutions that play a role in tackling complex education problems.

MSc Social and Public Policy

Dr Shailen Nandy explains the MSc Social and Public Policy at Cardiff University. This one year programme focuses on understanding the causes of, and potential solutions to, a range of important social issues. These include challenges such as poverty, increasing economic and social inequalities, and international development agreements.

This programme helped me to understand extensively how and why decisions are made by both government and non-government institutions and the impact these have. The modules were relevant to current national and international issues of concern, and I enjoyed learning and understanding how different countries with different ideologies address similar issues, such as pension, economic depression, democracy and citizenship.

Agnes Mwangoka MSc Social and Public Policy

Learn more about us

Participate in current research

Postgraduate students are encouraged to fully participate in our academic and research environment. This includes a wide range of active research groups, seminar series and informal study groups.

Making a difference

We are proud of our record of impacting upon public debate, policy development and practice based innovations.

Our master’s degrees

Our flexible master’s degrees provide the intellectual tools with which to engage with current social and public debate. You’ll be taught by leading scholars who are recognised for their theoretical and methodological expertise both nationally and internationally.

Postgraduate research opportunities

We offer opportunities for postgraduate research study designed to provide you with the skills and experience you need for your career. Our PhD programme prepares candidates for a research-based career, while the Professional Doctorate looks to address the career needs of practising professionals.

Centrally located

Based in the historic Grade 1 listed Glamorgan Building, we are at the heart of Cardiff’s Civic Centre, moments from Cardiff’s Crown Court, City Hall, Welsh Government administrative headquarters and Cardiff’s Central Police Station. Our building has lecture theatres with lecture-capture technology, seminar rooms and a friendly, informal café for socialising and group study.