Entry requirements

2.1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent (e.g. a GPA of 3.0 or above) in a relevant social science or humanities subject. Good candidates from other disciplines are also considered. Applicants with extensive relevant professional experience, but with a lower degree, may also apply and are considered individually.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of pre-Masters courses.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This programme is designed for people interested in how policy decisions are made and how they impact on the real world. There is a focus on urban issues nationally and globally, and opportunities to study other significant public policy fields.

Why Glasgow

Glasgow is an inspiring place to study problems of public and urban policy, both as a laboratory of many profound challenges, and providing many examples of leading and innovative approaches to tackling such issues.
The programme involves expert contributions from those working in a range of policy fields and field trips to study policy initiatives on the ground.
An optional field trip to London will provide you with an insight into the complex socio-economic dynamics of city building and design through visits to high profile real estate, planning and regeneration projects. You will have the opportunity to both meet and speak with senior industry professionals and policy-makers involved in the delivery of major urban developments. Past trips have included visits to The Shard, Olympic Park, Crossrail, Battersea Power Station.

Programme Structure

The programme combines a mix of core courses, with a range of options offered to allow flexibility for you to develop your own interests and specialism. It is an interdisciplinary programme, delivered by academics at the cutting edge of their fields and uses a broad range of methods (lectures, seminars, projects, discussions, workshops) to provide a rich learning experience.

Throughout the programme there is an emphasis on practical problems and acting ‘in the real world’. This is reinforced by contributions from a range of senior, experienced practitioners and policy makers from a broad range of organisations, who enhance understanding of real world problems and solutions.

It is delivered over two semesters followed by an independent research project where you can research a topic in more depth. All assessments are extended written assignments – there are no exams.

Core courses

Evidence, evaluation and policy
Global cities
Governance and markets
Social science research methods
Understanding public policy.

Optional courses may include

Designing places
Development process
Housing inequality and society
International real estate markets
International urban challenges
Regenerating cities
Sustainable housing development
Understanding health policy
Urban design policy and practice.

Career prospects

Career opportunities include working within central or local Government, the public or voluntary sector in a policy making or evaluation role. You would also be equipped to proceed to a PhD in a policy related subject.