Public Policy MSc

How can policymakers tackle the most urgent and insistent social and economic problems confronting their societies? How can institutions understand the increasingly complex nature of contemporary policy problems, drawing on appropriate knowledge, data, and evidence? How can governments turn public policy ideas into action through effective mechanisms of implementation and delivery? Sharpen your critical and analytical skills as you unpick some of the biggest questions in the world of public policy today.


• This programme gives you the opportunity to explore, debate and exchange ideas on the most important issues affecting society as we know it



• The course structure enables you to design a tailor-made programme that reflects your own professional and intellectual interests




• Our approach to teaching public policy is genuinely comparative and focuses on both the developed world, emerging market economies and developing regions and countries, including Africa, India, China and South East Asia



• Investigate development issues, with a strong interest in the comparative analysis of policy for the developing world




• This programme is designed for those who want to play a leading role as future policymakers in national governments, international agencies, NGOs, charities, and across the public and private sectors



What you'll study

The MSc in Public Policy is tailored to reflect the current political landscape, both domestic and international, meaning you get to delve into a wide gamut of topics, from European politics to political theory, global security and development.

Those teaching the programme have close links with policymakers in the UK and around the world having previously worked in government, NGOs and the private sector. The MSc in Public Policy is closely linked to the work of Queen Mary’s Mile End Institute bringing together a wide range of policymakers, politicians and thinkers, giving students opportunities for engagement and networking.

We encourage students to apply theories and concepts of public policy to better understand the practical policy challenges prevailing in their own countries. Our approach is solutions-focused: we want our students to contribute to actively solving the biggest public problems affecting our societies.

The course is intended to equip students with the tools and insights to become an effective policymaker either in the public, private or not-for-profit sector. You can sharpen your practical skills in areas such as data analysis and writing effective policy briefings.

At a base level, you will study how problems are addressed within political institutions. You will gain theoretical and practical insights into policy formation and implementation and most importantly, explore the development, implementation and evaluation of a wide range of policies.