نظرة عامة على البرنامج

---

Master of Public Policy: The Essex MPP

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a one-year full-time degree with January and October entry points. You'll examine the policy processes, institutions, and evidence that shape public decision-making - from governance systems and regulatory frameworks to inequality, public management, and global policy challenges.

Overview

The Essex MPP is based in the Department of Government at the University of Essex. The course starts in October or January and is taught full-time over one year. It is located at the Colchester Campus.

What is the Master of Public Policy (MPP)?

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a one-year full-time degree that examines the policy processes, institutions, and evidence that shape public decision-making. Through policy analysis, real-world case studies, and applied research methods, you'll develop the advanced analytical, evaluative, and practical skills needed to design, assess, and improve public policy in complex, data-rich environments.

Why this course

You'll study how public policy is made, why it works, and how it can be improved. You'll explore the systems, evidence, and decisions that shape people's lives - from public services and regulation to global challenges like health, education, and the environment.

Who should apply

• Graduates in sociology, politics, economics, or social sciences, ready to tackle real-world policy challenges
• Professionals seeking sharper skills in policy analysis and leadership
• Future advisors, civil servants, and advocates aiming to shape national or global decisions
• Ambitious researchers preparing for doctoral study in politics or public policy

What you'll learn

• Policy design and implementation: Understand how policies are formulated, executed, and evaluated in practice
• Political and institutional dynamics: Analyse the role of governments, interest groups, and civil society in shaping policy outcomes
• Data and analytic skills: Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to support evidence-based decision-making
• Sectoral expertise: Explore key policy areas such as education, health, the environment, and taxation
• Global perspective: Compare approaches to public policy across countries and develop insights for international contexts

Your learning experience

• Start in January or October and tailor your degree with core and optional modules
• Build hands-on skills through workshops, case studies, and applied research projects
• Learn in a department whose research informs policy-makers at the highest levels
• Access specialist facilities including computer labs, political analysis software, and a behavioural science laboratory

Careers and outcomes

A Master in Public Policy (MPP) prepares you for roles across sectors, including:

• Government and civil service: Policy advisors, analysts, civil servants, public service leaders
• International organisations and NGOs: Programme officers, advocacy specialists, development practitioners
• Think tanks and research institutes: Policy researchers, data analysts, evidence-based consultants
• Consultancy and private sector: Public affairs consultants, lobbying specialists, corporate responsibility advisors
• Business and industry: Public policy managers, regulatory affairs specialists, compliance advisors

Employers of our graduates

Graduates from the Department of Government have held influential roles across government, international organisations, and public service, including:

• UK Civil Service (Home Office, Foreign Commonwealth Development Office)
• House of Commons
• NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)
• Office for National Statistics

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

• A 2:2 degree in any subject.
• You may also be considered with a lower class degree, where you have at least five years' relevant work experience (please provide your CV).

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.

Structure

Course structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

Components and modules explained

• Core: You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
• Core with Options: You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
• Compulsory: You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
• Compulsory with Options: You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
• Optional: You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

Year 1

• COMPONENT 01: CORE WITH OPTIONS
  • GV993-7-PS or GV985-7-PS (60 CREDITS)
• COMPONENT 02: CORE
  • Foundations of Public Policy (15 CREDITS)
• COMPONENT 03: CORE
  • The Politics of Public Policy (15 CREDITS)
• COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY
  • Research Design (15 CREDITS)
• COMPONENT 05: OPTIONAL
  • Option(s) from list (30 CREDITS)
• COMPONENT 06: OPTIONAL
  • Option(s) from list (45 CREDITS)
• COMPONENT 07: CORE
  • Dissertation and Policy Portfolio Preparation (0 CREDITS)

Teaching

• Courses are designed to provide you with an advanced understanding of either the politics of a geographical area or an aspect of the discipline
• Courses include both compulsory and optional modules, so the course can be tailored to fit your interests and aspirations
• Learn through discussion and problem-solving
• Lab sessions allow you to improve your technical research skills

Assessment

• Your coursework comes in the form of essays, simulations, presentations, and in-class tests

Dissertation

• You are given guidance on how to prepare a Masters dissertation by our Graduate Director in the spring term
• We link you with an appropriate supervisor at the earliest opportunity

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

• £11,025

International fee

• £23,875

Scholarships and financial support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

Fees and funding guide

Masters fees and funding information Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information