Program Overview

Overview

The Public Policy MSc at Newcastle University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of public policy, its development, implementation, and evaluation. The program aims to equip students with the analytical and practical skills necessary to succeed in the world of policymaking, whether in government, international organizations, the third sector, or beyond.

What You'll Learn

The Public Policy MSc covers a range of key themes, including:

• Public Policy and Governance in Practice
• Ethics, Morality, and Philosophy in Public Policy
• Theories of International Relations, Globalisation, and Geopolitics
• Political Economy, Development, and Global Justice

Modules

The program consists of compulsory and optional modules, including:

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Thinking About Politics
  • Principles of Data Science for Political Research
  • The Moral Limits of the Market: Theoretical Foundations
  • The Moral Limits of the Market: Public Policy Projects
  • Public Policy in Practice: from the Local to the Global
  • Dissertation
• Optional Modules:
  • City Futures
  • Geographical Inequalities and Policy
  • Public International Law
  • Social Media Regulation: Law, Policy, and Society
  • European Union: Policy and Politics
  • American Foreign Policy
  • The United Nations: Policy, Politics, and Power
  • Problem Solving for Defence (H4MoD)
  • Power and Policy: Understanding Impact
  • Global Security: Politics, Space, and Society (P)
  • Global Sex Global Race
  • Inequalities: Issues and Intersections
  • Perpetual Wars? Crime, Policing, and (in)Security

How You'll Learn

The program is research-led and delivered through interactive and engaging seminars and workshops. Students will be taught using a range of methods, including:

• Active participation
• Discussion
• Collaboration with peers
• 1-on-1 research supervision sessions
• Lab sessions
• Guided independent study
• Guest lectures from experienced policymakers

Your Development

The Public Policy MSc will help students develop a range of professional, research, and practical skills, including:

• Professional skills: communicating effectively with diverse audiences, presenting well-reasoned arguments, and teamwork
• Practical skills: analyzing, designing, and assessing public policies, using real data to create evidence-based recommendations
• Research skills: synthesizing information from diverse primary and secondary sources, conducting independent research

Your Future

The program prepares students for a career in any field where advanced policy expertise is essential, including:

• Civil Servant
• Policy Advisor
• Policy Analyst
• NGO or Non-Profit Manager
• Researcher

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked among the top universities globally, with:

• 42% of its research classified as 4* world-leading
• A 65% increase in research power since 2014
• Ranked among the top 140 universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2026)
• Ranked among the top 160 universities globally (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)

Facilities

Students will be based in the School of Geography, Politics, and Sociology's Henry Daysh Building, with access to dedicated social/study spaces, seminar rooms, and professors' offices.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the Public Policy MSc are:

• Home students: £11,400 (full-time), £5,700 (part-time)
• International students: £26,500 (full-time)

Entry Requirements

The program requires a 2:1 honors degree or international equivalent. Degrees from all disciplines will be considered. English language requirements apply.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted online, with a deposit of £1,500 required for international students. The program starts in September, and there is no application closing date. However, it is recommended that students apply by the start of September.