Public Policy

MSc in Public Policy
Introduction
Programme Aims and Objectives
• Viewing public policy analysis as the technology to the science of social science is central both to the delivery of courses and to student assessment.
• The course prepares students to perform, understand and communicate professional policy analysis in the public sector and sectors working to it.
• The programme employs problem-based learning (PBL) — this involves you becoming versed in the most up-to-date aspects of and science behind a relevant discipline, observing these elements in operation by working through case studies, and then using the knowledge gained to solve set problems.
• To prepare you for the working world, you'll be prompted to collaborate with other students to define problems, identify relevant data to solve these and divide work in fair and efficient ways.

Why Do This Programme?
• Join the growing number of professional policy specialists working directly for state, national and international organisations; or serve as a policy specialist in a private sector or civil society organisation with an increasing need to be informed in public policy.
• Become a policymaker or an informed actor in the policymaking system by developing skills and knowledge in quantitative methods, policy design and implementation, research design, communications skills, law, and policy analysis.
• Increase your expertise in specific policy areas.
• Gain real-world experience of policymaking in a variety of fields through engagement with civil society organisations, local authorities, public agencies and government departments.
• Build relationships and contacts with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds, a range of specialists and policymakers that will give you a head start as you build your career.

You'll take four core modules, and choose two other modules from a suite of options, followed by a Policy Analysis Exercise. An innovative departure from the traditional dissertation, this Policy Analysis Exercise — which can be linked to your employment — is an opportunity for you to work on real policy problems set by public organisations.

The MSc in Public Policy equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to navigate and address 21st century policy challenges, from the post-pandemic economic and social recovery to climate action and Brexit.

To view the current course structure, please visit the Provider's website.

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

Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2023.
• Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2023.

Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie

Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to internationalapplications@dcu.ie

To apply for this programme:

• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.

• Provide a 500-750 word (max) personal statement including:
(i) Why you wish to study the programme;
(ii) What in your record and experience makes you suitable for the MSc programme;
(iii) The impact which you expect the MSc programme would have on your future careers.

• Please upload a CV under the "Supplemental Items & Documents" section.

• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.

Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

DC648: 1 year Full Time
DC649: 2 years Part Time

When applying for the MSc in Public Policy you can choose to undertake the full-time course in one year which is delivered on campus at DCU or you can choose to undertake the part-time course over two years which is delivered fully online.

Careers
The MSc in Public Policy's range of modules equips participants with a range of social science skills, such as quantitative analysis, research design, economics and communications methods to develop, analyse, evaluate and communicate public policies. These have been carefully chosen, in consultation with key stakeholders such as senior civil servants and ministers, so that graduates of the programme are in position to become leaders in policymaking.

Potential Careers
• Policy Advisor
• Policy Maker
• Public Servant
• Communications Consultant