| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-07-27 | 2023-04-01 |
| 2023-10-01 | 2023-07-01 |
| 2024-01-05 | 2023-10-01 |
| 2024-04-01 | 2024-01-01 |
Program Overview
Introduction:
This MSc Public Policy course offers a hands-on, locally embedded and multidisciplinary course in the study of Public Policy at an advanced and specialized level. You will have the opportunity to take part in exciting contemporary discussions of Public Policy that explore core concepts, key trends and developments within the field, critical reflections on policy in practice and the current state of research and analysis of policy issues.
This course will allow you to develop subject specific knowledge and develop broader professional skills that will be necessary for a career in any field related to public policy. It also enables you to obtain an advanced understanding and practice of a range of methods and methodologies available to support research and policy analysis.
The MSc Public Policy will be awarded on the successful completion of 180 credits of study.You will deliver a capstone Policy Lab project, with the opportunity to tackle salient policy issues in the East Midlands region or at national and international levels.
Program Outline
What you’ll study
The MSc Public Policy course has been designed to provide a practice-oriented and challenging contemporary curriculum which allows students to develop subject specific knowledge and develop broader professional skills that will be necessary for a career in any field related to public policy. It also enables students to obtain an advanced understanding and practice of a range of methods and methodologies available to support research and policy analysis.
The course is offered by the Department of Politics and International Relations and complemented by optional modules from across the School of Social Sciences. This allows for greater appreciation of policymaking in distinct and specialised areas as well as offers familiarity with negotiating in international contexts. Finally, it prepares students to work creatively on a Policy Lab research project either with an external partner or based on a combined staff and student-led initiative
The course is designed as a standalone programme, but draws on the success of the existing Politics and International Relations postgraduate provisions offered by the department. It is open to anyone who has already gained experience in the field of Public Policy or holds a background in a related discipline and field in Social Sciences and/or Humanities.
Course modules
Core modules
Theory and Trends in Public Policy (30 credits)
This module is designed to help students obtain foundational knowledge – both theoretical and practical - in the study of Public Policy. Students will critically engage with the theories, concepts, and heuristics of public policy and the policy process. Students will also gain knowledge of and critically assess current issues and trends in public policy and the field.
The module strategically combines traditional and existing approaches to policy studies with creative and online learning tools.
Policy in Focus (30 credits)
This module is designed to help students engage with major concepts, empirical issues and trends in three specific policy areas: local and regional policy, social policy, and foreign policy. It is co-taught, incorporating online learning and bringing together policy expertise from different units across the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences.
Researching Political Issues (30 credits)
This module allows students to develop a sustained grounding in and working knowledge of a variety of approaches to social science research, thus supporting their intellectual inquiries in the other modules.
Policy Lab Research Project (60 credits)
The Policy Labs module places an emphasis on gaining practical research experience and meaningful engagement with external (or internal) partners on a real policy issue. Policy Labs comprise small groups working in close collaboration and making their recommendations after close consultation with partners and supervision by academic staff. External partners may come from the public, private and/or civil society and academia. Internal partners may include departmental research teams and internal organisations. The program is intended to focus on policy problems within the East Midlands region, but some Policy Labs may focus on national or international issues.
You will also choose one of the following optional modules (30 credits each):
Policy Lab Research Project
Undertake practical research experience and meaningful engagement with external (or internal) partners on a real policy issue within the local East Midlands region or, alternatively, at national or international levels.
How you’re taught
A wide-range of traditional and experiential teaching methods are employed on the course. These may include discussion-based seminars, online teaching and learning sessions, interactive workshops, traditional lectures, and presentations and collaborative project-based work. These sessions are designed to engage students through problem-solving, sharing ideas, giving and receiving feedback and teaching each other.
The course also benefits from activities and research seminars taking place within the Department of Politics and International Relations and across the School of Social Sciences. You will have the option to partake in various events focusing on politics and policy. Activities range from negotiation simulations, guest lectures by politicians and practitioners, to problem-solving activities.
Assessment methods
Assessment on the course involves coursework, conducting your own research piece, individual and group class presentations and a reflective assessment. To encourage and facilitate independent learning the course will take full advantage of NTU's online workspace (NOW).
Moreover, the assessment methods enable students to develop and strengthen transferable skills, thus supporting their employability profile. The Politics and International Relations Employability Coordinator, together with NTU’s employability team, will assist in developing a professional portfolio that can be used when applying for internships, professional employment or further study.
An active research environment
Teaching on the course is drawn directly from regionally aligned research strengths in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, the Indian sub-continent, and Europe. This research feeds directly into the course allowing you to learn about the latest issues in this field from world-renowned experts.
Taught by experts
Your teachers and mentors specialise in:
Our focus
You will benefit from
What opportunities await you?
You will have the opportunity to:
In-sessional English language support
In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes.
Careers and employability
As MSc Public Policy graduates, you will have the opportunity to reflect on the subject and transferable skills learnt while preparing coursework. These include expertise in writing complex, yet concise, analytical pieces, developing and implementing projects, interpersonal communication, diplomatic and negotiation skills, problem-solving, and the ability to present in-depth ideas with confidence. You will be offered encouragement and assistance in articulating those skills in relation to occupations that may be of interest to you.
Graduates from this course are ready to undertake a wide range of careers and professions. Previous graduates from within the Department of Politics and International Relations have gone on to work in relevant government departments as well as joined international aid and development agencies.
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.