University of Birmingham
School of Social Policy

The School of Social Policy is home the Institute of Applied Social Studies (IASS) and the Health Services Management Centre.

IASS

The Institute of Applied Social Studies' (IASS) research and teaching interests range widely across the fields of social policy, social care and health and professional practice. We maintain close links with the other main disciplines in the Social Sciences and have well established links with social care and health agencies in the Midlands and with community, user and voluntary organisations regionally, nationally and internationally. The Institute's geographical location is characterised by ethnic diversity and both rural and urban settings.

Our core research concerns are the experiences and perspectives of poor and socially excluded citizens and people whose quality of life is substantially affected by the nature of welfare services and policies.

HSMC

Established in 1972, the Health Services Management Centre (HSMC) has a wide range of research, teaching and consultancy activities directed towards increasing the effectiveness of health care services, both in the National Health Service (NHS) and internationally. We have a strong research record and our staff publish widely in both academic and health care related journals.

All of our postgraduate programmes emphasise the application of theoretical perspectives to current policy and practice in the NHS and other health care systems, and are explicitly designed to support professional as well as academic development. The majority of our students study part-time (over two years) whilst working in the health service or a related field, although we do have a number of full-time students studying on our UK-based programmes, and completing their qualification within 12 months.

Facilities

The School of Social Policy is located in the Muirhead Tower, on the Edgbaston campus. A multi-million pound refurbishment of the Muirhead Tower was completed in 2009 and it stands proud as an iconio building on the campus. The facilities include astate-of-the-art lecture theatre, classrooms all with the latest technological capabilities. There is a Starbucks on the ground floor and designated study areas for Postgraduate and Doctoral Research students. The building, like the rest of the campus, is wi-fi enabled.

It is centrally located on the campus and very close to the main library, sporting facilities, shops, banks and restaurants.

Park House, home to the Health Services Management Centre (HSMC), is an attractive Edwardian house within walking distance of the centre of the main campus and provides a comfortable, high quality environment for postgraduate students. Barrow Cadbury and his family lived in this house and on leaving in 1945 presented it to the Birmingham United Hospital for use as a preliminary training school for nurses. In later years the house was acquired by the University of Birmingham and became the base for the Health Services Management Centre.

Student profile

"Birmingham appealed to me more than simply because it was my local university. I was particularly attracted to the IASS at Birmingham because of its established tradition of Social Work teaching, strong links with practice settings and reputation as a leading centre for research. Having worked within the youth justice system for a number of years, I was keen not only to further my education but also to be able to apply the knowledge which I had gained through practice experience. The MA Social Research (social work and professional practice) allowed me to do just that, with modules specifically designed to enable students to critically explore policy and research within their own areas of interest.

Studying alongside work can be very challenging, but all of the staff whom I came into contact with were really encouraging; helping me to get the most out of my course and offering support when I needed it.

The teaching which I received was excellent and this, together with the opportunity to interact with students from differing backgrounds, meant the learning environment was great. Throughout my time at Birmingham I have felt really valued, it's good to have a sense that you are contributing and can take a proactive role in your own and others' learning experiences'."

Clare Hill
MA Social Research (social work and professional practice)

Why University of Birmingham?

Birmingham is one of the most popular study destinations for UK and international postgraduate students. By choosing Birmingham you join a research-rich international university, with a long tradition and extensive experience of welcoming students from around the world.

The University is located in the pleasant and residential suburb of Edgbaston, only 5 kilometres from Birmingham's city centre. Its location at the heart of England means it is at the hub of the UK's transport network, ideal for travel in and out, as well as around the UK.

The University's main campus at Edgbaston, with its magnificent architecture, is a major landmark in Birmingham providing academic buildings and resources including the University library - one of the largest in the country. Campus facilities also include excellent sports facilities, several restaurants, travel agencies, banks, supermarkets, a bookshop and a stationery shop.

The University will provide you with a strong network of support, from your first enquiry through to graduation.

Contact details

Address: Postgraduate Admissions
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston
Birmingham, B15 2TT

Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
Fax: +44 (0)121 414 6378
Email: R.A.Roberts.1@bham.ac.uk
Website: www.socialpolicy.bham.ac.uk