Taught course

Public Policy

Institution
University of Reading · School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Qualifications
MSc

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:2 level or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. a social science, arts, business or humanities subject is preferred. Relevant work experience may also be taken into account.
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Gain the tools to understand and assess public policy with our MSc Public Policy degree.

Domestic and international public policy decisions affect all areas of our lives, including health, welfare, housing, education, security, international development, energy and climate change.

On this University of Reading’s interdisciplinary course, you will use traditional and modern insights from both economics and politics to develop the essential skills needed in policy making and policy administration.

Specialist pathways

There are five different pathways within MSc Public Policy that reflect major public policy challenges. You can combine core and optional modules from different pathways, or choose to specialise in one:

  • Global and Regional Governance and Institutions
  • International Security Studies
  • International Development and Emerging Markets
  • Sustainable Environments
  • Welfare and Social Policy.

The pathways are designed so you can tailor your studies to reflect your personal or national interests, as well as provide an issue-based focus for further in-depth analysis. This means you can also choose to undertake a dissertation in conjunction with the pathway component of your studies.

Choose economics at the University of Reading

  • Established for more than 50 years.
  • 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies).
  • Ranked among the top 200 universities in the world for Economics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).

Fees and funding

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,800

New international students: £22,350

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional Costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Scholarships and financial support

For information about the University of Reading’s master’s scholarships, please visit our master’s scholarships page.

You can apply for a scholarship once you hold an offer of admission for your course. If you are eligible for a scholarship, we will contact you to guide you through the process.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Global Recruitment Team
Email
student.recruitment@reading.ac.uk