Program Overview

MA Public Administration and Public Policy

Examine how governments create and deliver the policies that structure societies across the globe.

Overview

Year of entry: 2026 (September) Start date: September 2026 Length: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time School/department: Department of Politics and International Relations

Course Content

You'll study 180 credits in total. The course consists of:

• core modules
• option modules
• dissertation

Modules

Core modules

• Advanced Policy Analysis
• Comparative Institutions and Public Policy
• Public Management and Delivery
• Principles of Policy Advice

Option modules

You will study two option modules. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.

• Challenges to Policy-making in Democratising Countries
• Theories and Issues in International Political Economy
• Public Finance: Principles, Politics & Contemporary Issues
• Introduction to Qualitative Methods & Data Analysis
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods & Data Analysis
• Leading & Managing Change
• Africa and International Politics
• Ethics and World Politics
• Gendering Politics: An Intersectional Approach
• Global Governance
• Governing for the Environment
• Politics of Migration
• Theories & Policies of Development Governance
• Critical Theories of International Political Economy
• The Political Economy of Global China

Dissertation

During the second semester and vacation you'll consolidate your interests in a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Learning Outcomes

Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.

Learning outcomes for this course:

• Identify and understand the key determinants of policy processes in different countries and levels of government by applying an advanced understanding of current theories, paradigms, concepts and principles of policy studies.
• Critically apply different theoretical perspectives, methods and concepts to policy-making processes in order explain policy dynamics, variation, and outcomes, and to provide expert advice to decision-makers.
• Use intellectual reasoning and systematic empirical testing to evaluate the respective strengths and weaknesses of different policy options and theories of the policy process as a means to advocate particular policies and policy-making perspectives.
• Construct and clearly present persuasive, analytical and critical written reflections that effectively communicate sustained policy analysis to academic and professional audiences.
• Independently design a research project about the creation, design, implementation, success or failure of policies by conceiving of and operationalising research questions, by selecting and justifying the use of appropriate theories and concepts, gathering and interpreting data, and arriving at appropriate and justified conclusions.
• Understand and engage with the need for public integrity and ethical conduct of policy analysts in academia, the public and the private sector through the development of a holistic perspective of the complexities of policy-making.

Fees and Funding

Annual Tuition Fees for 2026/27

Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU ---|---|--- Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £27,250 Part-time (2 years) | £6,000 | £13,625

Fees Information

• UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%).
• International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

Additional Costs

You may incur some additional expenses for books, but these costs are optional as most of the texts you'll need are available in the University library.

Funding Information

Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.

Teaching and Assessment

You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.

Teaching Format

You'll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and one-to-one supervision. We offer a personal approach to learning with much of our teaching conducted in small groups.

Teaching Location

You will be based in the Department of Politics and International Relations in Derwent College on Campus West. Around half of your teaching will take place in Derwent College; the rest of your contact hours will take place nearby.

Assessment and Feedback

You submit six essays; three are submitted at the beginning of Spring Term and three at the beginning of Summer Term. Essays are usually around 3,500 words long. Your final dissertation of between 10,000-12,000 words is submitted at the beginning of September.

Careers and Skills

A York politics degree is recognised by employers worldwide. From political research to journalism, marketing and HR, a masters degree in Public Administration and Public Policy leads to a broad range of career opportunities.

Career Opportunities

• Civil Servant
• Democratic services officer
• Local councillor
• National management trainee
• Senior business consultant
• Policy and engagement manager for a government body

Transferable Skills

• The ability to research, source and examine information thoroughly
• The capacity to critically analyse evidence and construct coherent arguments
• Excellent written and oratory skills
• Intellectual independence and autonomy
• Teamworking skills
• A flexible and open-minded approach to work

Entry Requirements

Qualification | Typical offer ---|--- Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent. We are willing to consider applicants with lower qualifications, particularly if you have high marks in relevant modules and/or appropriate professional experience. Additional information may be requested. International pre-masters programme | Pre-masters from our International Pathway College Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country

English Language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications: Qualification | Minimum requirement ---|--- IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component TOEFL | 87, minimum 21 in each component Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements

If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.