Politics is the study of the political systems and institutions that affect almost every aspect of our lives. It draws on concepts and theories of rights, justice, and liberty to address issues of authority, power and conflict-resolution. It provides them with knowledge and understanding of the role of comparative analysis in social policy, through an examination of welfare systems in other national societies, and of the role of national and supra-national institutions in the shaping of welfare policy. By furthering students’ understanding of comparative social policy analysis it also enhances their capacity for the critical evaluation of relevant theoretical perspectives. Teaching is by lectures, seminars, workshops and one-to-one tutorials. Students also have the opportunity to gain experience in work-based settings, which will allow them to ‘embed’ issues of social theory into day-to-day practice.
