Program Overview

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MSc in Public Policy

Course Details

Course Code:

DC648

Course Type:

Postgraduate

NFQ Level:

• Please see for further information

Delivery Modes:

• Full-Time
• Part-Time

Duration:

• Full Time: 1 Year
• Part Time: 2 Years

Overview

The MSc in Public Policy is a fascinating and diverse course where we delve into real-world challenges in public policy. Throughout the programme, we learn how to use practical tools to examine policy issues and propose workable solutions.

Why DCU

Why do this Programme in DCU?

• Career Opportunities: Join the growing community of professional policy experts working directly with government agencies at the state, national, and international levels. Alternatively, become a policy specialist in the private sector or civil society organisations, which increasingly require expertise in public policy.
• Become a Policymaker: Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a policymaker or a well-informed participant in the policymaking process. This includes quantitative analysis, policy design and implementation, research methodology, communication skills, understanding of law, and policy analysis.
• Specialised Expertise: Enhance your expertise in specific policy areas, allowing you to focus on your particular interests or career goals.
• Real-World Experience: Gain practical experience in policymaking across a range of fields by engaging with civil society organisations, local authorities, public agencies, and government departments.
• Networking: Build valuable relationships and contacts with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, including specialists and policymakers. This network will provide you with a competitive advantage as you establish your career in the field of public policy.

Why Choose DCU?

• Leverage Expertise: Benefit from the collective knowledge and innovation of Ireland's most forward-thinking university.
• Small Class Sizes: Enjoy a more personalised learning experience with smaller class sizes, and study alongside a diverse group of students.
• Interactive Learning: Experience an engaging and problem-focused teaching approach, promoting active participation in your education.
• Accessible Professors: Connect with approachable professors who bring real-world expertise in their respective fields to your education.
• Employment Connections: Access valuable links to potential employers and tap into a network of successful alumni, opening up opportunities for your future career.

Careers & Further Options

Careers

The MSc in Public Policy offers a variety of modules that provide participants with a wide range of social science skills.

These skills include quantitative analysis, research design, economics and communication methods. They enable participants to develop, analyse, evaluate and effectively communicate public policies.

The selection of these modules has been done in close consultation with important stakeholders, including senior civil servants and ministers.

The aim is to ensure that graduates of the programme are well-prepared to assume leadership roles in the field of policymaking.

Career Prospects

• Policy Advisor
• Policy Maker
• Public Servant
• Communications Consultant

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent.
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Programme Structure

Programme Aims and Objectives

1. We consider public policy analysis as the practical application of the social sciences. This viewpoint is central to how we teach our courses and assess students.
2. The programme is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct, understand, and communicate professional policy analysis, primarily in the public sector and related fields.
3. We use problem-based learning (PBL) as a teaching method. This means you'll become well-versed in the latest developments and scientific foundations of a relevant field, see how these concepts work in practice through case studies, and then apply this knowledge to solve specific problems.
4. We aim to prepare you for the professional world by encouraging collaboration with your fellow students. This involves defining problems together, identifying the necessary data to address them, and distributing the workload in a fair and efficient manner.

Core and Optional Modules

Core Modules

• Public Policy Analysis
• Political Theory and Public Policy
• Research Design for Policy Makers
• Policy Challenges
• Quantitative Methods for Social Sciences 1
• Policy Analysis Exercise

Possible Optional Modules (depending on availability)

• EU Institutional Law
• Climate Change Policy and Governance
• Housing Policy
• Educational Policy
• Environmental Change and World Politics
• Public Policy Evaluation
• EU Banking and Finance Law
• Climate Change and Cities
• Legislative Drafting
• Future Generations: Priorities, Policies, Politics
• Law and Politics of Brexit
• Irish Foreign Policy
• EU Trade Law and Policy

Fees and Funding

Fees

• Full time: €7,900 (EU Status Fee), €17,000 (Non EU Fee)
• Part time: €4,300 Per Annum (EU Status Fee Part-time), €8,300 Per Annum (Non EU Fee Part time)

How To Apply

Application Deadlines

• Closing date for non EU applicants: 1st July 2025
• Closing date for EU applicants: 30th August 2025

If you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Life On Campus

Campus Life

Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.

There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.

For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.

The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.

On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.

Accommodation

Information about accommodation each of our three campuses can be accessed here.

Student Supports

We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.

• Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
• The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
• Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
• Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
• work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.

Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.