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Management for Social Change BSc

London, Canary Wharf

Develop vital skills to contribute to an evolving society through this degree that blends management, politics and social change. The Management for Social Change BSc will teach you how to lead change and champion social causes within businesses and organisations, underpinned by fundamental business and management skills. You’ll graduate ready for a successful career in the private, public or voluntary sector. 

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
Fees to be confirmed
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
Fees to be confirmed
Programme starts
September 2026
Application deadline
14 Jan 2026
UCAS course code
N200
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
AAA
Subjects
Science or Social Sciences preferred.
GCSEs
English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Contextual offer information

Grades
ABB more about contextual offers
Subjects
Science or Social Sciences preferred.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Points
38
Subjects
A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.

Contextual offer

Points
34 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no score below 5.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

D3,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects.

A,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher).

To be confirmed.

To be confirmed.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

Society is rapidly changing, with climate change, unpredictable politics and economic volatility each having a critical impact. Social movements have the power to either unite or polarise people, and striving for social change comes with great responsibility. Yet many positive social movements started from individuals taking action and organising others to drive change. It’s never been more important to have leaders and managers working within businesses, the public sector and non-profits who can help make a constructive contribution to society.

The Management for Social Change BSc was created in response to this quickly evolving global context where social change can play a key role. By embarking on this programme, you will embrace a curriculum covering management studies alongside social sciences and political science. You’ll get to grips with how change takes place in society, so you can develop key skills to lead and participate in change initiatives.

Through management modules, you’ll learn skills in social psychology, marketing, entrepreneurship and finance, giving you core knowledge applicable to any workplace. In particular, you’ll gain a detailed understanding of how individuals and groups can be organised and motivated to work together to introduce change.

This degree incorporates political theory and social change modules too, and you’ll learn how political ideas including liberalism and environmentalism influence societies, and the concepts behind why social activity can spark change. Blending theoretical study with the extensive exploration of case studies and real-life scenarios, this degree builds your knowledge and experience in highly relevant subject areas.

You’ll also benefit from opportunities to volunteer and contribute directly to social change, plus design and implement your own social change project. As such, you’ll graduate with highly sought-after skills needed by a range of employers, with the ability to work comfortably within business, political science or for social causes.

What this course will give you

Graduating with a Management for Social Change BSc degree from UCL will set you apart, at a time when businesses and the public sector need to champion prosperity in parallel with social good.

Upon completion of this programme, you will have the ability to explain, compare, identify and critically evaluate ways of effecting positive social change. With an excellent grasp of the theory and practice of political ideas, plus insights into the structures of international governance, you’ll be able to confidently apply this knowledge to a variety of job roles. With the ability to draw on the principles of social movements and social advocacy too, you’ll hone essential qualities and bring fresh, socially-aware thinking to your future employment.

Your learning in social and political topics is underpinned by the critical management practices taught through this degree, which include economics, marketing, entrepreneurship, financial management and psychology. You’ll also gain transferable skills in research methods, critical evaluation, decision-making, influencing and communicating with a multitude of stakeholders.

Surrounded by like-minded individuals at the UCL School of Management and more widely at UCL, you’ll also benefit from being part of our vibrant and globally-minded community. For more than 10 years, UCL has ranked in the top 10 universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2025). Research by our experts at the UCL School of Management has been rated ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), placing us 2nd in the UK for Business and Management.

This all means you’ll graduate with well-rounded expertise that will have genuine relevance in the world around you.
 

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Year 1 of the degree focuses on the foundational concepts in each of the key areas in the programme, including power, management, and the history of social movements. You will take 8 compulsory taught modules throughout the year. 

In Year 2, the emphasis is on the practice of social change through case studies and scenarios. During this year, you also have the opportunity to volunteer and contribute to social change. You will take 7 compulsory taught modules and one optional module, giving you the flexibility to explore your interests beyond the core curriculum. 

In Year 3, the final year, the focus is on the design and implementation of your own social change project using knowledge and tools you have learnt during your degree. This may include advocacy, analytics, finance and other areas. The theoretical content in the final year moves from principles and practice to the evaluation of change initiatives. You will take 4 compulsory taught modules and 2 optional modules, plus a double-weighted research project that runs through the first and second terms. 

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Compulsory modules



History of Social Movements


Analytics for Management

Social Advocacy and Campaigning

Economics of Social Change



Compulsory modules

Responsible Leadership and Influence

Social Enterprise

Social Psychology

Social Impact and Assessment

Volunteering in The Nonprofit Sector

Finance and Fundraising for Social Causes



Optional modules







Compulsory modules

Design Thinking for Social Impact

International Public Policy for Management

Digital and Social Media for Change

Global Regulatory Strategies

Social Change Project


Optional modules










Urban Innovation and Sustainable Development


Your learning

Throughout the programme, you will learn through a variety of methods, blending in-person sessions and independent study. This includes lectures that incorporate case studies and exercises, and interactive seminars where you will apply your knowledge and develop your skills. The UCL School of Management also organises a programme of external speakers to deliver workshops, further enhancing your learning.

Independent study includes reading material and original activities such as participating in simulations or attending exhibitions. There may also be some external organisational visits and events that you’ll be invited to attend to deepen your understanding of subjects discussed in lectures and seminars. You will have the opportunity to volunteer during your second year, which will further your learning in a real-world context.

On each of the compulsory modules, there are typically 3 contact hours per week, usually delivered via group lectures and smaller group seminars over a 10-week term period. Typical contact hours average around 12 hours per week, depending on the year of study and module choice.

In addition, you spend approximately 6-8 hours per week for each module on assessment and independent study. The total number of weekly hours will vary according to the weekly activities being undertaken.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of examinations, written assignments, presentations and group work. Peer feedback is woven into the assessment process of several modules, which also helps you practice giving and receiving feedback.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

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The foundation of your career

The Management for Social Change BSc will give you a set of core skills that will enable you to advocate for social change and positively contribute to society through your future employment.

The knowledge and skills you’ll gain are particularly suitable for work in policymaking, advocacy, the civil service (including applying for the Civil Service Fast Stream), international organisations including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), thinktanks, charities and social enterprise. You will also be well-placed to work in the private sector, or to pursue advocacy work outside of traditional structures, such as a social media campaigner or influencer.

Employability

This degree equips you with a range of skills sought after by employers in the private sector, the civil service and international organisations. These include team-working, taking initiative, ability to receive and give feedback, communication skills, being organised, decision-making and networking skills, plus commercial awareness, understanding how organisations work, and how to manage organisations effectively. You’ll benefit from bespoke career support from the UCL School of Management from Year 1 until you graduate, which includes access to a variety of insightful employer and alumni talks.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) Fees to be confirmed
Tuition fees (2025/26) Fees to be confirmed

Fees are for Undergraduate 2025/26 entry and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases and are subject to the passing of secondary legislation. Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2025/26 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, you may incur some additional costs while studying on the Management for Social Change BSc programme. These include textbooks, printing/photocopying credits (anticipated to be approximately £100-150 per year), and robe hire for the graduation ceremony. 

There may be optional opportunities for international study trips, which may cost around £2,000 depending on the trip destination, personal flight preferences, spending habits and exchange rates. These costs are usually covered by students, although there may be grants available from the UCL School of Management.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

We are looking for candidates who have a genuine interest in social causes. This degree is for you if you are eager to change society for the better, and acquire foundational business and management skills too. You should be keen to learn the theory and practice of how change takes place in society, and want to learn the skills and approaches necessary for inspiring change in whatever employment you seek in the future.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

Successful candidates will be able to tangibly demonstrate:

  • A keen desire to learn about the intersection between social change, political theory and management.
  • Enthusiasm to develop into a manager or leader who will bring about positive change.
  • A concrete contribution to community and society through volunteering or other extracurricular activity in, for example, sports clubs, sustainability initiatives or promotional campaigns.
  • Achievements that show personal initiative and commitment in any area of life.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

UCL School of Management
UCL School of Management

Mgmt-undergraduate@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.