Politics, Public Policy and Management MSc

The MSc Politics, Public Policy and Management combines the expertise of the School of Social Science and the Business School to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for careers in politics and policymaking in government, business, third-sector organisations, the media, the research sector, finance, and international institutions.

You will gain a deep understanding of key political and economic issues at a national and global level, the processes of policy making, the limitations of public policy responses, and how to bring about good public policy.

Through the increased globalisation of financial markets, and fundamental changes in societal and political relationships at all levels, the development and adaptation of public policy has become increasingly complex.

This MSc is delivered jointly by experts from the University of Aberdeen’s School of Social Science and Business School to provide a thorough grounding in the technical aspects of business management alongside a wider understanding of the public policy frameworks and tools used in addressing contemporary political issues.

In this programme you will develop a rigorous understanding of management theory, including business negotiations, managing change, and leadership. You will also gain the theoretical knowledge, frameworks and tools to analyse, evaluate and develop policy relating to key political contemporary issues and challenges including poverty, human rights, migration, climate change and energy transition.

You will explore how key actors, such as politicians, experts, corporate interests, campaign groups, the media, social movements, activists, and the public set the agenda and shape the development of public policy at various levels. You will consider how to bring about change, negotiate the development of successful public policy , and learn how policymaking can meet the challenges of modern multi-level governance in a rapidly changing world.

You will have the unique opportunity to study specialist courses on political issues like migration and climate change, and courses which consider how campaigns and movements apply pressure on political systems to change.

The MSc Politics, Public Policy and Management is suitable for students from a wide range of backgrounds, including politics, business, economics, international relations, law, and sociology, who seek to develop the skills necessary for a career in politics and public policy at local, national or international levels.