MSc Public Policy

Programme overview

What is public policy? Who is it shaped by? Which institutions are involved? What impact does it have on an economic, social and cultural environment that is increasingly globalised?

This programme investigates the international public policy environment in terms of the global political economy and the impact of business, voluntary sector and public policy agents in the field of multi-level governance.

It is intended for those who aspire to pursue professional career options, including policy planning, policy consultancy and policy officer positions for large and medium institutions and policy consultancy.

As well as considering generic policy concerns, the programme gives you an opportunity to choose from a range of substantive policy issues, such as the economics of public policy, poverty and social exclusion, penal policy, migration, asylum and sustainability. Every unit considers policy in an international and comparative context.

Careers

Graduates from our MSc in Public Policy frequently work in roles that focus on strategy, policy development and implementation, or policy research. Potential employers include local or central government departments; national or international non-governmental organisations; and international institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations.

An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant social science discipline, such as sociology, social policy, social welfare, public administration, social administration, demography/population studies, accounting and finance, economics, political science, management, history, philosophy and law. Other academic backgrounds will also be considered.