Public Policy

The MA in Public Policy is designed for graduates who want to make a meaningful impact locally and globally by shaping public decisions and driving positive change.



This programme will prepare you to work in government, public bodies, civil society organisations, NGOs, international organisations, businesses and other organisations that require an expert understanding of policymaking, administration and governance.



In addition to core policy and research training modules, you will have the opportunity to go on a field trip to Brussels, where you will examine EU policy.



The MA in Public Policy will appeal to Arts and Social Science graduates seeking a qualification that will help them to secure policy-related employment; graduates from other cognate fields including Economics and Law seeking to improve their employment prospects; graduates interested in pursuing PhD research.

Optional SP574: Families and Children in Society and Policy I - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional LW550: Advocacy and Access to Justice - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Optional LW575: Crime and Disorder - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Optional LW5214: Imprisonment and Rights - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Optional SP6127: Professional Experience - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Required SP6146: Research Methods & Methodology - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Required SP6145: Research Paper - 20 Credits - Semester 1

Required SP6125: Public Policy and Politics - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Required SP6126: Policy Challenges: National, European and Global - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Required SP6135: Research Workshops I - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional SP6122: Social and Political Context of Activism and Advocacy - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional GG6103: Development and Human Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional GG113: Applied Gender Analyses - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional GG106: Women, Conflict and Human Security - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional GG6109: Gender, Sexuality and Global Health - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional MK5116: Negotiations - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional EC5116: Global Issues in Agricultural, Marine and Renewable Energy Economics - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional EC5115: Environmental Economic Modelling - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional SP6128: Field-Based Learning - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional DEV6102: Data Analytics for Social Sciences I - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional DJ6137: Strategic Communication - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional DJ6144: Communicating Climate Action and Science - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional EC5142: International Policy and Ageing across the Life Course - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional SP6142: Ocean and Marine Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional SP6149: Conflict, Peace and Security - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional SP6143: Urban Public Policy: Smart and Liveable Cities - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Required SP6156: Public Policy Seminar - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required SP6136: Research Workshops II - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Personal statement: all applicants must enclose a typed personal statement of approximately 600 words explaining why you wish to undertake the programme(s) of your choice, outlining how it fits into your career objectives, and discussing your research interests.



Referees: You must provide two written references. The first reference should be either an academic reference (if you are currently studying) or an employer reference (if you are currently working). The second reference may be from a source of your choice.



Students must hold at least 2:1 (or equivalent) Bachelor's degree in politics, social sciences, economics, law, business or a cognate discipline.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Next start date September 2026

This programme offers strong career prospects across diverse sectors by equipping you with critical insights into governance, policy-making and public decision processes. As a Graduates, you will be well prepared to enter a role where analytical thinking and policy expertise are in high demand.



Potential career paths include:



Policy Analyst or Advisor

EU or UN Agency Officer

Civil Service Executive (local, regional, or national)

Public Affairs or Communications Specialist

NGO or Non-Profit Manager

International Development Consultant

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager

Public Relations or Media Analyst

Lobbyist or Advocacy Officer