Program Overview
Public Policy and Public Administration
Top 100 for Politics in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
Top 75 in the world for Public Administration
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2024
Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research
Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
Degrees in Exeter
- MSc Public Policy
- MPA Masters in Public Administration
- MPA Masters in Public Administration with Applied Study
- MSc Social Data Science
- MSc Security and Data Science
- Systems Thinking Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship
We are a leading university for teaching in public policy and public administration and offer programmes at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. Our teaching focuses on giving students skills, knowledge and experience relevant to roles in their future careers or related to their research interests. Our programmes are taught by leading researchers with expertise specific to what they teach, and who have relationships with a range of public and private organisations both in the UK and internationally.
We have a comprehensive portfolio of programmes in the field of public policy and public administration:
- MSc Public Policy focuses on skills for careers including policy development, policy analysis, policy presentation and policy evaluation across a range of policy areas (for example environmental, social or public services policy).
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) focuses especially on management skills for public organisations including decision making, leadership and performance management.
- MSc Social Data Science centres on data analysis techniques applied to a range of substantive policy questions and skills for statistical approaches.
- MSc Security and Data Science focuses on data analysis in the context of security, defence, and law enforcement.
Within each programme, specialist dissertations enable students to focus on particular topics of interest, including in areas where they may want to pursue future careers. Students can further choose options to develop their qualitative or quantitative analysis skills or to develop both skill sets according to their individual interests.
In addition to these standard Masters programmes, we offer a Systems Thinking Degree Apprenticeship for people already working for an employer, who want to enhance their professional development in the area of systems thinking by pursuing this Level 7 apprenticeship.
When joining our programmes you will become part of a thriving postgraduate community of Masters and PhD students. The programmes' content is developed to incorporate the latest thinking including drawing on our research projects funded by UK Government, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and the European Commission. Our academic staff also have strong links with organisations who use our research findings including in central and local governments, private organisations, charities and other non-governmental organisations and international bodies.
Studying at Exeter was an unforgettable chapter of my life, filled with growth, inspiration, and cherished memories.
I especially loved working on my dissertation, which was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of how to create meaningful reforms as a civil servant. It inspired me to think about how I could contribute to my homeland and left me feeling more confident and capable in my professional abilities.
The skills and knowledge I gained here have been invaluable for my career. Now, I plan to continue serving my country as a civil servant at the Ministry of the National Economy of Kazakhstan, striving to make a positive impact.
Read more from Ilona
Ilona
MSc Public Policy
University of Exeter
Overview:
The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, England. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of law, business, and environmental sciences.
Services Offered:
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Student website:
Provides access to information and resources for current students.ELE (Exeter Learning Environment):
An online platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors.Email web access:
Allows students to access their university email accounts.Payment portal:
Enables students to make payments for tuition fees and other expenses.MyExeter (student app):
A mobile app that provides access to various student services and information.Library:
Offers a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and other resources.SID (Student Information Database):
A system for managing student records and accessing personal information.Timetable:
Allows students to view their class schedules.Programme and module information:
Provides details about academic programs and courses.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Exeter offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect:
Active student societies:
A wide range of clubs and societies cater to various interests.Sports facilities:
The university has excellent sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports fields.Campus events:
Regular events and activities are organized throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and social gatherings.Accommodation options:
The university provides a variety of accommodation options for students, both on and off campus.Wellbeing services:
The university offers a range of support services for student wellbeing, including counseling and mental health support.Key Reasons to Study There:
Excellent academic reputation:
The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK.World-leading research:
The university is renowned for its research, particularly in areas such as environmental sciences, law, and business.Vibrant student life:
The university offers a diverse and engaging student experience with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events.Beautiful campus setting:
The university's campuses are located in picturesque settings, with easy access to the city of Exeter and the surrounding countryside.Strong career support:
The university provides excellent career support services to help students find employment after graduation.Academic Programs:
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
English, History, Classics, Philosophy, Music, Drama, and more.Social Sciences:
Law, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and more.Science and Engineering:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and more.Medicine and Health:
Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and more.Business and Management:
Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, and more.Other:
- The university has three main campuses: Streatham Campus, St Luke's Campus, and Penryn Campus.
- The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on environmental issues.
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The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world.
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Academic Programs:
While the context mentions some general disciplines, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.
