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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 22,350
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Political Sciences and Civics | Public Administration | Public Policy Studies
Area of study
Social Sciences
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 22,350
About Program

Program Overview


The MSc Public Policy equips students with analytical skills to understand and assess domestic and international public policy decisions. It offers interdisciplinary coursework in economics and politics, with five specialist pathways for customization. Through research projects, placements, and guest lectures from industry experts, students gain hands-on experience and prepare for careers in public service, international agencies, government, and research.

Program Outline


Degree Overview:


Overview:

The MSc Public Policy degree equips students with the tools to understand and assess public policy. It explores domestic and international public policy decisions that affect various aspects of life, including health, welfare, housing, education, security, international development, energy, and climate change.


Objectives:

  • Develop essential skills for policy making and policy administration.
  • Provide a comprehensive understanding of public policy through traditional and modern insights from economics and politics.

Program Description:

  • Interdisciplinary course that combines economics and politics.
  • Five specialist pathways to tailor studies to personal or national interests:
  • Global and Regional Governance and Institutions
  • International Security Studies
  • International Development and Emerging Markets
  • Sustainable Environments
  • Welfare and Social Policy
  • Dissertation option in conjunction with the pathway component.

Outline:


Program Content:

  • Economics of Public Policy
  • Politics of Public Policy
  • Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Politics and International Relations OR Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and International Relations
  • Applied Research Project and Placement OR Capstone Project

Course Schedule:

  • Full-time: 12 months
  • Part-time: 24 months

Individual Modules:


Compulsory Modules:

  • Economics of Public Policy: Examines key economic tools for public policy analysis, applying concepts to current issues and developing microeconomic and macroeconomic tools for policy evaluation.
  • Politics of Public Policy: Explores how policy decisions are made and implemented, providing an understanding of the making, application, and effects of public actions.
  • Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Politics and International Relations OR Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and International Relations: Introduces research design and widely used qualitative or quantitative research methods.
  • Applied Research Project and Placement OR Capstone Project:
  • Capstone Project:
  • Students complete a project for an external organization, providing independent analysis and gaining hands-on experience.
  • Applied Research Project and Placement: Students apply academic knowledge in a practical setting with an external organization related to public policy, completing a research report and receiving credit for placement learning.

Optional Modules:

  • International Relations Theory
  • Philosophical Issues in the Social Sciences
  • International Security
  • Contemporary Diplomacy
  • Terrorism in a Globalising World
  • Worlding International Relations
  • Building Peace
  • International Organisations in Global Politics

Teaching:

  • Research-led and relevant teaching.
  • Active guest speaker program to strengthen and explore research.
  • Seminars featuring politicians and government officials.
  • Classes with policy makers and analysts from the UK government.

Careers:

  • Public service
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
  • International agencies
  • International sphere of public service
  • Domestic or Foreign Service
  • Government
  • Civil service
  • Business
  • Research
  • Journalism
  • Teaching
  • PhD-level study and research

Other:

  • Students value the use of practical examples to illustrate theory and benefit from external speakers sharing their experiences of putting theory into practice.

  • New UK/Republic of Ireland students:
  • £10,800
  • New international students:
  • £22,350
  • With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees."
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About University
PhD
Masters
Bachelors
Diploma
Foundation
Courses

University of Reading


Overview:

The University of Reading is a public research university located in Reading, Berkshire, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation and its commitment to providing a high-quality student experience.


Academic Programs:

The University of Reading offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various subject areas, including:

    Arts and Humanities:

    Ancient History, Archaeology, Art, Classics, Creative Writing, Drama, English Language and Applied Linguistics, English Literature, Film and Television, History, Languages and Cultures, Linguistics, Museum Studies, Philosophy, Theatre & Performance, War and Peace Studies.

    Science and Engineering:

    Agriculture, Architecture, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Bioveterinary Sciences, Chemistry, Climate Science, Computer Science, Ecology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medical Sciences, Meteorology and Climate, Microbiology, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Zoology.

    Business and Social Sciences:

    Accounting, Business and Management, Consumer Behaviour and Marketing, Economics, Education, Finance, Healthcare, International Development, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Politics and International Relations, Psychology, Public Policy, Real Estate and Planning, Social Policy, Strategic Studies, Teaching.

Other:

The University of Reading has a strong research focus and is ranked among the top universities in the world for its research output. It also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area.

Total programs
463
Average ranking globally
#331
Average ranking in the country
#31
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:2 level or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. a social science, arts, business or humanities subject is preferred. Relevant work experience may also be taken into account.


Language Proficiency Requirements:

IELTS: 5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

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