This Masters in Public and Urban Policy is designed for people interested in how policy decisions are made and how they impact on the real world. There is a focus on urban issues nationally and globally, and opportunities to study other significant public policy fields. It will equip you to make an effective contribution to policy making, policy implementation and policy research and evaluation in a broad range of fields. It will develop your understanding of governance, urban change and policies which support sustainable development.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgDip 9 months full-time; 21 months part-time

The programme combines a mix of core courses, with a range of options offered to allow flexibility for you to develop your own interests and specialism.  In addition you are allowed to select courses from across the School of Social and Political Sciences.  It is designed to allow either full-time or part-time (day release) study, being taught in intensive half-day blocks.  It is an interdisciplinary course, delivered by academics at the cutting edge of their fields and uses a broad range of methods (lectures, seminars, projects, discussions, workshops) to provide a rich learning experience.

Throughout the programme there is an emphasis on practical problems and acting ‘in the real world’.  This is reinforced by contributions from a range of senior, experienced practitioners and policy makers from a broad range of organisations, who enhance understanding of real world problems and solutions.

It is delivered over 2 semesters followed by an independent research project where you can research a topic in more depth.

All assessments are extended written assignments – there are no exams.

Core Courses

• Global Cities
• Understanding Public Policy
• Governance and Markets
• Evidence, Evaluation and Policy
• Social Science research methods

Optional Courses

• Regenerating Cities
• International Urban Challenges
• Designing Places
• Crime and Community Safety
• Understanding Health Policy
• Sustainable Housing Development
• Housing and the Inclusive Society
• Flexibility, depending on timetable to take courses from elsewhere in the School of Political and Social Sciences.

Career prospects

Career opportunities include working within central or local Government, the public or voluntary sector in a policy making or evaluation role. You would also be equipped to proceed to a PhD in a policy related subject.

Academic entry requirements

Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject. Good candidates from other disciplines are also considered

Candidates with extensive relevant professional experience, but with a lower degree, may also apply and are considered individually.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

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