Master of Public Policy

Program Overview

The Essex Master in Public Policy (MPP) equips future leaders with comprehensive knowledge in public policy formulation, decision-making, and implementation. Graduates develop analytical and data literacy skills essential for careers in public policy, both nationally and globally, preparing them for roles in the public sector, NGOs, and the private sector. The program combines an applied approach with training in cutting-edge analytical skills, supported by a network of connections and expert faculty.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Essex Master in Public Policy (MPP) is designed to equip future leaders with extensive knowledge of public policy formulation, decision-making, and implementation. It delves into key concepts and theories, exploring the foundations of public policies, the incentives and constraints governing policy-making, and the political realities faced by both private and public sector institutions. The program covers all aspects of the policy process, including formulation, implementation, and evaluation. It highlights the role of interest groups and civil society in each stage and helps students analyze the politics underlying policy adaptation. The Essex MPP emphasizes the development of analytical and data literacy skills, essential for careers in public policy, both nationally and globally. Graduates are prepared for roles in the public sector, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.

Outline:

Year 1

• Component 01: CORE (60 Credits)
• MA Dissertation:
This component allows students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, with one-to-one supervision from a faculty member. The dissertation is up to 10,000 words.
• Component 02: CORE (15 Credits)
• Foundations of Public Policy:
This module introduces key concepts and theoretical approaches to studying and analyzing public policy. It covers the economic, theoretical, and normative foundations of public policies, theories of the public policy process, and the actors and institutions involved. Students apply these concepts to real-world policy areas like education, pollution, and taxation.
• Component 03: CORE (15 Credits)
• The Politics of Public Policy:
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the key players and institutions that shape the policy-making process. It explores theories and evidence surrounding policy creation, the impact of political actors, institutions, and strategies on policy formation and implementation, and the influence of international institutions and policy diffusion.
• Component 04: COMPULSORY (15 Credits)
• Research Design:
This module provides an overview of the logic of social science research designs, including the goals, theories, and strategies of social science research. Students develop a research agenda for potential use in a peer-reviewed journal, MA or PhD dissertation.
• Option(s) from list:
Students choose from a list of optional modules.

Teaching:

• The program combines an applied public policy approach with training in data analysis and cutting-edge analytical skills.
• The Department of Government has strong links with Essex County Council and several think tanks in London.
• Students benefit from a dense network of connections and learn from world-leading research in the Department of Government.
• The program features expert faculty, including some of the biggest names in the field, providing unparalleled access to leading minds in politics.
• Faculty members advise the CIA on counter-terrorism, train politicians and civil servants in democratizing countries, and commentate on political events in national and international media.
• The University organizes the Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis.

Assessment:

• Coursework is assessed through essays, simulations, presentations, and in-class tests.
• Students receive guidance on preparing a Masters dissertation from the Graduate Director in the spring term.
• Students are linked with an appropriate supervisor at the earliest opportunity.

Careers:

• The Essex MPP equips graduates to build careers in local, regional, or national government service, as well as in the not-for-profit sector, both domestically and internationally.
• The program provides the analytical tools and credentials necessary for future leadership roles.
• The University's Employability and Careers Centre assists students in finding work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Other:

• The program is available with a January and October entry point.
• The Department of Government is world-leading in data analysis and cutting-edge analytical skills.
• Postgraduate students in the Department of Government generally have a one-hour lecture and a one-hour seminar for each module every week, or a two-hour seminar for smaller modules.
• The program encourages students to attend national conferences to meet researchers and discuss their work.

Home/UK fee £10,000 International fee £21,700