Social Policy and Evidence Synthesis MSc

UCL (University College London)

UCL's Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis) MSc has a specialist focus on advanced methods for the systematic review of research, also known as evidence syntheses, and explores how research is combined with professional and community knowledge to support policy decision-making by governments and other national and international organisations around the world. The course offers students the opportunity to conduct systematic reviews of both qualitative and quantitative data, with an emphasis on the challenges and innovations in evidence synthesis, including the use of AI and machine learning tools. The Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis) MSc offers you the opportunity to study the meeting points of social research and social policy. The course emphasises the value for policy development of combining findings from all relevant studies to create systematic reviews of research. You gain understanding and skills for conducting systematic reviews with the latest innovations in synthesis methods, including use of AI and machine learning, and for involving the public, practitioners, policymakers and researchers in shaping research and informing policy. Core modules give you a sound foundation for working in this field. Optional modules allow you to tailor your studies to a career in research, policy or intermediary organisations. The dissertation component provides an opportunity to design and carry out an empirical research project with the support of an academic supervisor. You develop a topic for the project from your own area of interest or professional expertise, or work with a non-academic partner to produce research that is of practical interest to the organisation. This programme is also available on a modular (flexible) basis, with a duration of 5 calendar years.