Public Policy

Entry requirements

We typically require a 2:1 Bachelor (Honours) degree (or overseas equivalent), in any social science background.

Other degrees are possible, including economics, finance, business, psychology, and all science backgrounds and relevant experience will actively be considered in lieu of a relevant degree.

A personal statement should include an outline of your interest and understanding of your chosen programme.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Today's policymakers face many complex challenges, from the economy and the environment to education, migration, healthcare, and beyond. Our custom-designed MSc in Public Policy critically examines global policy concerns, exploring the reasons why decisions are made and how these decisions impact different areas of society.

Covering all aspects of the policy process from agenda setting to evaluation, the curriculum has been developed to equip you with the skills to examine diverse policy issues, make evidence-driven decisions, and evaluate their success or failure. Whether you are looking for a role with an NGO or government, or simply looking to advance your private sector role with a cutting-edge ability to evaluate how policy decisions will shape your industry, this course gives you the skills to advance your career.

With modules covering public policy and data analysis, the course hones your ability to analyse and interpret data to address global public policy questions. The diverse range of policy and analytical modules provide you with bespoke skills. The capstone project allows you to put your learning into practice by collaborating with an external organisation to address key policy-related questions. This evidence-based project prepares you for future employment providing you with hands-on experience and showcasing your qualifications and practical problem-solving skills.

The course is multidisciplinary, drawing on politics, economics, social policy, and sociology. It is likely to appeal to those looking to pursue a career in policy planning, political consultancy, and financial services, as well as policy-based roles in local and national government, international development and NGOs.

Year 1 modules

Public Policy

explores how policy is made across the world, including the impact of diverse institutional arrangements. In this module you will analyse the intersection of political behaviour and institutional governance in policy formation.

One from:

Quantitative Methods and Analysis

for those without prior data analysis experience. This module is an introductory route to data analysis. You will cover elements of research design, statistical analysis, and learn about data collection.

Full Stack Research Design

for those with prior data analysis experience. This module delves into data analysis approaches to policy evaluation, including regression modelling.

And:

Causal Inference

offers hands-on expertise in causal inference methods for data analysis, exploring (quasi-)experimental designs and techniques for understanding whether policies work and why.

The Capstone Project

is an opportunity to collaborate with NGOs or government departments to address a policy challenge and provide strategic analysis to refine your future direction.

Dissertation

The Dissertation in Public Policy is a substantial piece of independent work in an aspect of public policy of your choice.The 10,000-word dissertation is the culmination of the MSc, bringing together elements of learning from across the course.

Plus up to three optional modules from a selection, which in recent years have included:

• Politics of Global Europe
• Advanced Topics in Public Policy
• The Making of a Policy Maker
• Natural Language Processing
• Public Policy Reform

Information for international students

Fees and funding