| CODE | SWP5027 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Areas of Social Policy | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Social Policy and Social Work | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | In this study-unit, students will be provided with an analytical approach to several main areas of social policy, as well as resources and tools to undertake social policy analysis, which they will apply to their chosen areas of social policy. Students will revisit the policy process, and will be guided to develop competencies in analysing value choices and policy instruments. It further offers students the opportunity to engage with key theories, practices, and challenges associated with different areas of social policy. The areas covered in the study-unit will include social security, housing, education, employment, health and social care among others.The study unit will be delivered in a combination of lecture and workshop format and will make use of group learning. Study-Unit Aims: This study-unit aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge about the key phases of the social policy process: social policy analysis, planning, implementation, evaluation and change. It is intended to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of diverse social policy areas, enabling them to critically analyse, evaluate, and contribute to policy development. Students will delve into specific policy domains, examining their historical context, current issues, and future implications. in the context of social and economic changes in Malta and in Europe more broadly. The unit will guide students to look at ways of developing new policies, optimising participation and addressing resistance to change, and developing linkages across policy levels. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of social policy process and the significance of each phase within it; - Understand the influence of socio-economic and political factors and contexts on each of the above phases and on the social policy process as a whole; - Gain deeper understanding of how policy agendas are set; the role of various actors in formulating policies; how choices are made between policy options; the conditions for successful implementation and failure; the organization and politics of evaluation; and the dynamics of policy learning and change; - Demonstrate an analytical grasp of welfare states’ responses to contemporary challenges; - Analyse the key challenges and debates within specific social policy domains, including but not limited to social security, housing, employment, education, health and social care; - Evaluate the impact of social policy on marginalised and vulnerable populations, considering issues of equity, justice, and inclusivity; - Develop a nuanced perspective on the interconnectedness of different social policy areas and their implications for overall societal well-being. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Evaluate and critique social policies, considering their effectiveness, ethical implications, and societal consequences; - Construct evidence-based arguments and propose informed recommendations for improving social policies; - Critique and apply various models of social policy analysis and be able to develop several substantive areas; - Understand resistance to change and use skills to maximise participation; - Apply insights from various disciplines to address complex social policy challenges and foster holistic problem-solving. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Vella, S. & Galea-Curmi, E. (2022). Social Policy in Malta: An Introduction. Malta: Midsea Books Ltd. - Policy Press. Supplementary Readings: - Beland, D., Morgan, K.J., Obinger, H. & Pierson, C. (2021). The Oxford Handbook of the Welfare State, 2nd Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press. - Chambers D E & Wedel K R (2008). Social Policy & Social Programs. A Method for the Practical Public Policy Analyst. - Gregory, L. (2018). Exploring welfare debates: Key concepts and questions. Bristol: Bristol Various academic articles and policy reports will be given as readings. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study and Group Learning | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Maya D Ugo Andreana Dibben Sara Mizzi Charles Pace Damian Spiteri |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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