Understand how societies work—Learn how to make them work better

Tackle the big issues of our time—inequality, ageing, migration, labour‑market transformation, and access to welfare—with a master’s that turns evidence into better policy. At ELTE, Social Policy is a dynamic, problem‑oriented field at the crossroads of sociology, economics, political science, law, and social work. You’ll learn to read complex social realities—and turn insights into practical, values‑driven solutions. 

The Social Policy MA programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to analyse these challenges and to create impact: design effective, evidence-based responses.

What you will learn

We connect evidence, policy, and practice across national and institutional contexts. While we build on the European social model, we consistently place it in a broader global frame so you can compare systems, understand diverse welfare regimes, and engage confidently in international debates.

The programme allows you to tailor your studies to your interests through a wide range of elective courses, including: health policy, labour market policy, education, housing, social protection, ageing, disability, and child well-being.

You will:

• Analyse complex social data and make sense of competing explanations.

• Design and evaluate policies that improve people’s lives. 

• Understand institutional and political constraints—and work effectively within them.

• Translate research into actionable recommendations for decision‑makers.

Why ELTE Social Policy

• Strong interdisciplinary foundation

• Policy-oriented, practice-relevant training

• International perspective with European expertise

• Flexible curriculum tailored to your interests

• Focus on values: equality, solidarity, and human dignity

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers where social understanding meets decision-making. Typical career paths include:

• policy analyst or advisor in government and international organisations

• expert roles in NGOs and development agencies

• researcher in think tanks and academic institutions

• programme or project manager in social and public sectors

• roles in international organisations and transnational policy environments

The programme also provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies.