Program Overview

Introduction to the University of Kent

The University of Kent is a leading institution for student employability, with a strong focus on supporting students' success. The university is ranked top 40 in The Times Good University Guide 2025 and has risen 11 places in THE's REF 2021 ranking, confirming its position as a leading research university.

Postgraduate Program: International Public Policy

The International Public Policy MA program at the University of Kent provides students with an advanced understanding of social policy in developed and developing countries. The course takes a critical approach to the study of international social policy, analyzing how national and global forces interact to shape the trajectories of welfare system development.

Course Structure

The program consists of a combination of compulsory and optional modules, including:

• Critical Social Research: Truth, Ethics and Power
• Comparative Public Policy
• Design of Social Research
• Key Issues in Global and International Policy
• Policy Evaluation
• Dissertation

Optional modules may include:

• Negotiation and Mediation
• Qualitative Research
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• Global Perspectives on Political Resistance
• Terrorism and Crimes of the State
• Understanding Global Harms
• Advanced Data Analysis in the Real World
• Social Justice Debates
• Politics of Global Environmental Change

Entry Requirements

A first or second-class honors degree or higher university degree in a social science or related discipline is required. International students must also meet the English language entry requirements, which include a Very Good level of English language, equivalent to a high B2 on CEFR.

Fees and Funding

The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:

• For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see the Student Finance Guide.
• Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of the course.
• The University will assess the student's fee status as part of the application process.

Career Support

The University of Kent provides career support to help students achieve their ambitions. The career support team offers guidance on career options, job search strategies, and interview techniques.

Research

The University of Kent has a strong research culture, with a focus on interdisciplinary research. The university's research strengths include:

• Research centers
• Research impact
• REF 2021

Academic Schools

The University of Kent has a range of academic schools, including:

• Kent Business School
• Kent Law School
• School of Arts and Architecture
• School of Computing
• School of Economics, Politics and International Relations
• School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics
• School of Humanities
• School of Natural Sciences
• School of Psychology
• School of Social Sciences

Information for Students

The University of Kent provides a range of information and support for students, including:

• Courses
• Undergraduates
• Postgraduates
• International students
• Part-time and short courses
• Student experience
• Accommodation
• Fees and funding
• Scholarships
• Term dates

About the University

The University of Kent is a leading institution for student employability, with a strong focus on supporting students' success. The university is ranked top 40 in The Times Good University Guide 2025 and has risen 11 places in THE's REF 2021 ranking, confirming its position as a leading research university. The university has a range of academic schools, research centers, and a strong research culture. The university provides a range of information and support for students, including courses, undergraduate and postgraduate programs, international student support, part-time and short courses, student experience, accommodation, fees and funding, scholarships, and term dates.