Official Master's Degree in Social Policy, Employment and Welfare

Ideal student profile

The master’s degree is aimed at graduates in Social Sciences or Humanities, preferably in Political Science, Sociology, Labor Relations, Anthropology, Economics, Social Psychology, or Gender Studies. Basic knowledge in Sociology and Political Science is valued, as well as initial skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Students must demonstrate critical thinking and interest in research or professional practice related to systems and transformations of social protection, labor relations, and inequalities based on gender, education, or ethnic origin.

Knowledge

• Analyse the economic, political, social and cultural transformations of contemporary societies and their impact on inequality and well-being.
• Explain the role of institutions, social actors and welfare policies in the regulation of social inequalities.
• Identify the main models of protection systems and social policies, as well as their recipients and the agents involved in their design and implementation.
• Describe the challenges posed by social inequalities and cultural, ethnic and gender diversity for public and social policies.
• Integrate scientific literature and theoretical frameworks to contextualise research in the field of social policy, work, and welfare.
• Select appropriate methods and tools for the analysis of social inequalities and welfare policies.

Skills

• Critically analyse the challenges that social changes pose to equality and well-being.
• Interpret and synthesise theoretical and empirical evidence on social inequalities and welfare policies from a comparative perspective.
• Apply quantitative and qualitative methodological instruments for the rigorous analysis of inequality and social policies.
• Design and develop research projects in the field of work, social policies and welfare, formulating hypotheses and well-founded judgments.
• Manage and analyse databases and empirical sources relevant to the study of inequality and social protection.
• Communicate the results of research and diagnoses in a clear, structured and adapted way to specialised and non-specialised audiences.
• Diagnose social problems related to redistribution and well-being, formulating useful proposals for decision-making.

Competences

• Integrate theoretical and methodological knowledge to address complex political and social situations related to inequality and well-being.
• Manage research and professional practice in an ethical and responsible manner, incorporating the gender perspective and respect for diversity.
• Work in teams in the field of social policies, contributing responsibly to the development of projects and the achievement of common objectives.
• Analyse and evaluate social and labour policies critically and autonomously, basing judgments and proposals on theoretical and empirical evidence.
• Apply knowledge in institutional contexts to design, implement, and evaluate ethical, efficient, and data-driven public policies.
• Design and implement innovative projects and interventions that respond to the needs and demands of diverse social groups, integrating criteria of equity, sustainability and social justice.
• Apply democratic principles, fundamental rights and the Sustainable Development Goals in the analysis, design and evaluation of social, labour and care policies, considering social and gender inequalities in contemporary welfare regimes.
• Communicate results and proposals in an inclusive and rigorous way, encouraging informed debate and citizen commitment to social justice.