As one of the largest UK university faculties focusing on policy-orientated research, the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy is committed to advancing social science scholarship to help tackle some of the most important social, political and ethics issues of our time.
- Established at the turn of the century to focus on policy-orientated, multidisciplinary research
- Home to around 8,000 students from all over the world
- Ranked 1st for Sociology and Social Policy in the UK (Guardian 2025 rankings) and 6th for Social Sciences in the UK (Times Higher Education 2024)
Why study with us?
Throughout the world, societies and economies are transforming. It’s our job to understand these changes, and to make a positive contribution to human welfare, security and sustainability. A postgraduate degree within the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy will allow you to seek solutions to important issues around the world today such as global security, climate change and the energy crisis. We have an open and inclusive research culture which stimulates conversation between contesting theories, approaches and ideologies, and which brings together faculty students in a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.
London is your home
London is rated the best student city in the world (QS Best Student Cities 2025). You can benefit from our close links with NGOs, think tanks, charities, and research organisations, as well as other Universities and the cultural sector. You’ll be in close proximity of the UK Houses of Parliament and surrounded by outstanding museums, galleries, and prestigious libraries. We are London’s most central university with four of our five campuses located in the heart of the city, alongside the River Thames. Outside the lecture theatre, you’ll network and make lasting connections by joining societies, attending panel discussions, or getting involved in collaborative projects.
Internationally connected
We take an international approach to advancing social science scholarship. We have world-leading expertise across the social sciences and our teaching and research community includes politicians, business leaders, policy-makers, activists and teachers in London, the UK, Europe and internationally. A partnership with the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) allows us to offer a graduate programme in International Affairs.
Employability
Graduates from King's College London are among the most sought after by top employers (Graduate Market in 2024). Your course will provide you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to pursue a wide range of careers in the private, public or voluntary sectors. Furthermore, our careers service provides ongoing support for up to two years after graduation including 1:1 support, annual careers fairs and skills workshops.
Our education and research tackles global issues and adds value to policy, economy, and service development worldwide.
Our work helps local and international communities lead healthier and happier lives and we seek to make the planet safer, fairer, and cleaner by influencing policy and practice.
Professor Linda McKie, Executive Dean