Postgraduate taught degree programmes

search postgraduate taught degree programmes

Public Policy

Background

This Masters Programme is designed for those who work, or who would like to work in a broad range of public sector, voluntary and charitable organisations, including the civil service and local government; for those who seek to influence or evaluate policy outcomes and for those who are simply interested to understand more about how policy decisions come to be made in contemporary society. Developed just a few years ago, this challenging and rewarding programme has become established as a choice for both recent graduates and mid-career professionals.

It is a flexible programme: students can study for the MSc on a full-time, part-time or modular study, or can opt to take a shorter Postgraduate Diploma or certificate.  Courses are delivered in intensive, ‘conference style’ blocks designed to meet the needs of full-time students as well as those in full-time employment.  Teaching is led by staff at the cutting-edge of their field, based in one of the UK’s largest and most respected urban research centres.

Aims

The programme aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to make an effective contribution to the formation, implementation and evaluation of policy in a broad range of fields.  We aim to produce graduates who are independent, critical thinkers able to make well-judged contributions to policy debates verbally and in written form and able to work in a wide range of policy roles.

We expect our graduates to be able to:

  • Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the key institutions and processes engaged in public policy– how policy issues reach the agenda, how solutions are designed, what and who influences policy design and the challenges of successful implementation.
  • Contribute to the design of appropriate approaches to monitoring and review of policies.
  • Develop in-depth and specialised understanding in chosen policy fields -  and understand the challenges involved in producing ‘joined-up’ solutions.
  • Acquire important transferable skills in self-management, critical analysis, and written communication.