International Public Policy

The Postgraduate Diploma in International Public Policy at Queen’s offers a high-quality programme of academic and personal professional development, providing students with the tools to understand and influence the contemporary policy problems faced by governments globally.



Students undertaking the Diploma programme will engage with a wide variety of theories, ideas and sources in the study of public policy both domestically and internationally, and will be introduced to a variety of research methods. As they progress through the programme, students can choose to examine public policy issues across a range of international policy domains including: climate change, AI and technology global ethics, security and terrorism, policing and crime, and EU governance.



As well as hearing from guest speakers, there will also be a study visit to the EU institutions, NGOs and think tanks in Brussels, and elsewhere in Europe. to better understand the interplay of public policy between national and international levels and hear about traineeship and other employment opportunities.



The programme uniquely offers opportunities for personal as well as academic advancement opportunities, and participants on the programme can avail of the opportunity to undertake the Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Core Modules

Global Political Economy (20 credits)

APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN (20 credits)

International Public Policy (20 credits)



Optional Modules

The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland (20 credits)

The Politics of the Republic of Ireland (20 credits)

Conflict Intervention (20 credits)

The Politics and Political Economy of Energy and Low Carbon Energy Transitions (20 credits)

Youth and Social Justice (20 credits)

Contemporary Security (20 credits)

Institutions and Politics of the European Union (20 credits)

The UK and Europe (20 credits)

Democratic Challenges and Innovations (20 credits)

Climate,Justice & Human Rights (20 credits)

Comparative Territorial Politics (20 credits)

Social Injustice (20 credits)

Global Development (20 credits)

Interest Groups, Lobbying and Advocacy (20 credits)

Diplomacy and Influence in International Affairs (20 credits)

Leadership and Decision Making (20 credits)

Uncovering Political Patterns using Data (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Social Sciences, Humanities or Arts subject; or a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject with relevant professional experience.



Applicants who do not meet these entry requirements may, at the discretion of the relevant programme convenor, be considered for admission on the basis of relevant work experience and/or an assessed piece of work.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 14th August 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

9 months (Full-time)



Teaching Times

Teaching take place at a variety of times from 9-8pm Monday – Friday.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Employment after the Course

The Postgraduate Diploma in International Public Policy will be particularly useful for students wishing to work in public affairs, consultancy, NGOs, public relations, journalism or the public service at national or international levels. Recent graduates have secured work in international NGOs (Peace Corps, Joseph Rowntree Trust); international consultancy firms (PwC, H/Advisors Cicero); public affairs companies (Gryphon, Minerva), the media (Financial Times) and the public service (Home Office, Central Bank of Ireland).

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/