Public Policy MSc

**Rethink public policy. Explore creative approaches to contemporary public policy strategy, design, and delivery in a global context.**<br/><br/>This specialist masters course is specifically designed for working professionals. It combines online and intensive residential teaching.<br/><br/>By exploring how public policy is made, what shapes it, and how public policy professionals can make a difference, you’ll prepare for a range of policy-related roles in the public, voluntary and private sectors.<br/><br/>**Learn about contemporary public policy from real-world researchers**<br/><br/>You’ll learn from academics with real-world experience in the formulation of public policy, as well as staff from the wider Department of Social & Policy Sciences community. Their teaching will be influenced by contemporary UK and worldwide case studies and research to give you an up-to-date global perspective.<br/><br/>On the course, you will:<br/><br/><br/>- investigate the political, economic and social dynamics that affect contemporary public policy<br/><br/><br/>- examine how data and evidence in the digital environment are re-shaping how public policy is analysed, made and practised<br/><br/><br/>- learn how to combine theory and practice to advance creative approaches for policy design and delivery<br/><br/><br/>- develop your own policy specialism with the option to undertake work-related projects as part of your studies<br/><br/><br/>**Learn within a global network**<br/><br/>Throughout the course, you’ll be immersed in a global network of policy-making researchers. This will give you opportunities to learn from a range of academics actively working in the field.<br/><br/>Many members of these communities have international expertise in their areas, and links to senior international public policy makers and experienced policy analysts.<br/><br/>The distance learning format of this course puts you among a diverse and global group of peers. You’ll be able to draw on your own experiences and learn from your classmates through online group sessions and discussions. During the in-person residentials at our Bath campus, youll also have opportunities to expand your network across current cohorts, as well as doctoral level students and staff.<br/><br/>**Gain important career skills**<br/><br/>You will leave the course with:<br/><br/><br/>- an advanced understanding of the concepts and tools used in public policymaking today, as well as their application and limitations both in the UK and internationally<br/><br/><br/>- in-depth critical understanding of the political, economic and social dynamics that shape public policy development and outcomes in specialist field(s) of public policy<br/><br/><br/>- a deeper knowledge of the contexts and constraints within which public policy is made on a global level<br/><br/><br/>- the confidence to creatively apply different policymaking tools, identifying new ways to achieve public policy goals<br/><br/><br/>The specialist teaching you will receive and advanced skills you will acquire could put you in a strong position for moving forward in any policy-facing or policy-shaping role, whether in analysis, strategy or delivery.<br/><br/>**Graduate prospects**<br/><br/>This course typically helps people in the roles below to advance their careers:<br/><br/><br/>- national civil servant in a policy position<br/><br/><br/>- government affairs official<br/><br/><br/>- think tank researcher<br/><br/><br/>- parliamentary advisor<br/><br/><br/>- policy advisor<br/><br/><br/>- policy advocate in a large NGO or advocacy organisation<br/><br/><br/>Some recent graduates of this course have gone on to secure the following roles:<br/><br/><br/>- Co-founder & Manager, GovTech Lab (Lithuania)<br/><br/><br/>- EU Regulation Expert, PSE: Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne S.A. (Poland)<br/><br/><br/>- Housing Strategy (Policy) Officer, Cardiff City Council<br/><br/><br/>- Policy Lead, Ofsted<br/><br/><br/>- Project Consultant, Inter-American Development Bank (Peru)<br/><br/><br/>- Widening Access and Inclusion Manager, HEFCW<br/><br/><br/>Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll also be equipped with the relevant skillset for doctoral-level studies or advanced international policymaking.