Introduction to the International Public Policy MSc

The International Public Policy MSc programme at University College London (UCL) is designed for individuals seeking to forge a career in international politics or policy-making. This programme equips future policymakers with a detailed and systematic understanding of how political institutions, processes, and public policies operate at the global level.

Entry Requirements

As a minimum, applicants must have an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Ideally, applicants should have a background in political science, international relations, law, European studies, history, philosophy, economics, or a related subject. Relevant practical or work experience in a related field may also be taken into account.

English Language Requirements

The English language level for this course is Level 4. UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are available for international students who need to improve their academic English and academic skills.

Course Overview

The programme provides rigorous academic and methodological training, enabling students to pursue further postgraduate studies and/or a research degree. Students will examine international relations and learn skills to analyse how public policy is formulated and governed beyond national borders. The programme offers a wide range of elective courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.

Careers

Graduates of the International Public Policy MSc programme move on to prestigious careers both nationally and internationally, including:

• Civil servants in departments in central or local government in the UK and overseas
• Policy officers and researchers for UK members of parliament and Members of the European Parliament
• The European Commission
• Public and private sector organisations
• Further research study at UCL or other universities in the UK or overseas

Employability

The programme is designed to enhance career prospects by giving students transferable skills attractive to employers in a wide range of businesses and sectors, including:

• Theoretical and critical analysis
• Ability to design and carry out original research
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to build positive working relationships

Networking

As a student in the Department of Political Science, you will have access to an impressive range of support, activities, and events that will contribute to your experience. These include:

• Student societies
• Exhibitions
• Lectures
• Valuable training
• The 'Policy and Practice' seminars
• The International Public Policy Review
• The International and Public Affairs Society
• The UCL Social Data Institute
• Annual Careers Week

Teaching and Learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars, and includes a policy simulation and a series of talks with leading practitioners and policymakers. Assessment is through a variety of methods, including unseen examination, long essays, and a dissertation. Full-time students typically have around 12 hours of contact time per week, with the remaining time used for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Modules

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits, comprising:

• Four compulsory modules, including one Qualitative methods module, one Quantitative methods module, and the Dissertation
• Two optional modules from the Department of Political Science
• Two elective modules, which can be from the Department of Political Science or another UCL department Compulsory modules include:
• Dissertation
• International Public Policy Optional modules include:
• Causal Inference
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods
• International Political Economy
• Terrorism
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• Conflict Resolution and Post-War Development
• Governing Global Business
• Human Rights, Accountability and World Politics
• International Trade Policy
• The Political Economy of Development
• From Cyberwarfare to Robots: The Future of Global Conflict in the Digital Age
• International Negotiation
• The Politics of Immigration
• Global Security Policy
• Human Rights in Crisis

Fees and Funding

Fees for the programme are as follows:

• UK students: ｣21,500 (full-time), ｣10,750 (part-time)
• International students: ｣39,200 (full-time), ｣19,600 (part-time) There are no additional costs for this programme. UCL offers various scholarships, including the GREAT Scholarship and the Aziz Foundation Scholarships in Social and Historical Sciences.

Accessibility

The Department of Political Science will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities. Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

UCL is a top-ranked university with life-changing research and a_x000D_ progressive approach to academia, making it different from the rest. At UCL,_x000D_ postgraduate students learn by doing—shaping the world around them with a_x000D_ hands-on approach.

Services

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