Public Policy (Distance Learning)

Entry requirements

2:1 degree in a related subject is normally required. We will also consider applications where you have a degree in other subjects, have a 2:2 or equivalent result and/or extensive relevant experience. In these cases, you should clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills have prepared you for postgraduate study.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Why Lancaster?

• Learn through real-life case studies, work online with policy experts, and confront problems surrounding public policymaking
• Look at the world of policy through a critical lens and apply your skills to complete a tailored portfolio project where you’ll create policy recommendations
• Choose online learning and organise your study to fit your commitments and interests
• Have access to experts who work with UK parliament, make regular media appearances and want to shape the future of policymaking
• Be part of a community that cares about ethical policymaking, focusing on an applied approach that drives change

How is public policy made? What challenges do policymakers face? And how do we construct policy solutions to policy problems? Study with us to explore these vital questions and confront the puzzles of public policymaking.

Fresh ideas to meet big challenges

Conflict, climate change, cost of living. Global crises cannot be solved by one individual. To make a change, we need to take collective action – and without policy that wouldn’t be possible. The world needs good policymakers with new ideas and a fresh approach to tackle the stalemate that policy has reached. If you want to work in the world of international, national or local policy, you need to know how it’s made. This distance learning programme unpacks policymaking and gives you the skills to research, evaluate and create policy.

Learn from policy experts

You'll hear from our leading academics on different domains, from local government to national defence. Our aim is to present perspectives from policy practitioners in different roles. You might recognise some of our teaching team from their media appearances, perhaps talking about maritime security or the Middle East. You might have picked up their books in a shop – one academic has recently published on Labour's immigration policy. Have confidence that our well-established distance learning programmes have been running for over a decade.

Online learning that suits your life

Our Public Policy MSc by distance learning offers you the opportunity to fit your studies around other commitments. You will learn though a variety of mediums such as:

• video lectures
• an online message board that will mirror seminar discussions
• podcasts
• recorded presentations
• one-to-one online tutorials

Your academic tutor will provide personalised support throughout the programme.

Tailor your study to your Public Policy interests

In addition to core modules in Public Policy and Research Methods, you will have a choice of optional modules. Finally, you will complete a portfolio where you will explore a topic of your choice, use policy analysis tools and create policy recommendations. You may choose a topic of particular personal interest or that will inform your current professional role. Whether you’re interested in environmental, immigration, defence, foreign, or EU public policy, or the broader politics of policymaking, we’ll help you hone your specialism and sharpen the skills employers are looking for.

Join our live events

Throughout the programme you will have the opportunity to participate in live events connected to Public Policy. These are completely optional and are offered as both online or in person events. They may include a conference and skills training, as well as networking and career events.

Careers

We’ve designed this course to help you develop knowledge and transferable skills relevant to a range of different future careers. Armed with this Master’s degree, you’ll be the perfect fit for roles in:

• NGOs
• Civil service
• Political parties
• Local government
• International charities
• International business

Another option following your Master's is to continue your studies and further your research interests via a PhD programme.

Not sure what’s next? We’ll help you determine your direction and support you in getting there with support both from academics who work in the world of policy and specialist careers advisers.

Information for international students

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.