Public Policy

Recent problems have shown that the way many countries make their policies has some issues. This is especially true in Ireland. These issues are partly because the people in charge of making policies aren't always good at figuring out and carrying out these policies, especially in complicated and changing situations.



The Irish government, the European Union and other international organisations know about this problem. They're trying to get more experts in making policies to work with them.



To address this, DCU is now offering a special online course that covers different subjects and is made to help the new generation of policymakers. It's called the MSc in Public Policy, and it's a unique professional degree that focuses on both deep thinking and careful methods. This fits the needs of a society that is dealing with more complicated and nuanced challenges.



Course Structure

During the MSc in Public Policy programme, you'll complete four essential modules and select two additional modules from a set of choices. Afterward, you'll undertake a Policy Analysis Exercise, which is a new approach different from the usual dissertation. This exercise allows you to tackle actual policy issues given by public organisations, and you may even connect it to your current job.



The MSc in Public Policy provides graduates with the expertise and abilities needed to handle the policy challenges of the 21st century. These challenges include areas such as recovering from the social and economic impacts of the pandemic, addressing climate change and dealing with the consequences of Brexit.



The MSc in Public Policy (Education Policy) pathway is an online part-time ONLY (studied over two years) programme. It is designed to meet the requirements of a new generation of education and skills policy makers.



There will be up to 15 places offered on the MSc in Public Policy (Education Policy) pathway, the next intake will be September 2026.

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

For admission to the MSc in Public Policy programme, successful applicants will have:



• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent,



• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.



• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.



• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

1 year Full Time

2 years Part Time

The MSc in Public Policy offers a variety of modules that provide participants with a wide range of social science skills.



These skills include quantitative analysis, research design, economics and communication methods. They enable participants to develop, analyse, evaluate and effectively communicate public policies.



The selection of these modules has been done in close consultation with important stakeholders, including senior civil servants and ministers.



The aim is to ensure that graduates of the programme are well-prepared to assume leadership roles in the field of policymaking.



Career Prospects

Policy Advisor

Policy Maker

Public Servant

Communications Consultant