Find out more about studying Policy Analysis & Global Governance MSc at University of the West of Scotland? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
Paisley Campus
Full Time
Sep 2026
1 Year
The MSc in Policy Analysis & Global Governance equips you with the knowledge and skills to investigate and evaluate the ways in which a variety of state and non-state organisations come together to address global problems. Equally, the master's concerns how to analyse the development and impact of complex public policies. It is delivered by an international team of leading academics in the field. You will use theory and research to analyse global institutions and the processes involved in global governance. The MSc Policy Analysis and Global Governance degree has been designed to be flexible and allows for part-time and full-time study, while also blending on-campus, and online delivery techniques.
The module is comparative in nature and set within the context of internationalisation and the globalised world and focuses on the causes and consequences of crises and disasters at international and domestic levels, as well as the strengths and weakness of different public policy responses to managing these extra-ordinary phenomena as well as the relationship between crisis and the ?core? areas of politics such as legitimacy, governance, authority and democracy. The module equips students with the intellectual and practical skills to comprehend, explain and manage ?crises? faced by policy-makers.
This module has been designed to appeal those students with an interest in working, or already working, in local, devolved or central government, third sector organisations and civil society organisations. In the module students will gain experience of applying key concepts and theories used in academic literature on civil society and public affairs to complex and real policy environments. It offers students the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and research skills to the practical understanding of public services and affairs.
The module is designed to be delivered with either an online or a hybrid learning model, employing mixed modes of learning, teaching and assessment. Teaching activities are centred within a student focused approach using inquiry based learning approaches through a range of lectures, tutorials and seminars and flexible self-paced learning.
This module provides students with an understanding of the models, theories, structures and processes of governance and public administration in a comparative context. Students will gain an understanding of the structures and functions of public administration at national, regional and local levels. It explores dimensions such as culture, executive and non-executive power, accountability and governance. The module draws on contemporary case studies to illuminate the issues and dimensions of organisational theory and how these are relevant to the study of the internal and external organisation of public administration. Although the case studies are contemporary, they are considered within a historical context in order for students to understand the patterns of administrative reform at multiple levels of governance. Students will consider, amongst other debates, the extent to which we are now living in an era of ?post-New Public Management? and how such debates are relevant within different state contexts.
This module examines a range of contemporary social issues, drawing on various case studies and research across sociology, political science, social policy, social work, criminal justice and psychology.
