Program Overview

Global Public Policy MA / PGDip

The Global Public Policy MA / PGDip programme is designed to equip students with advanced insights into policy-making across local and global contexts. Through a flexible curriculum, students can tailor their studies to match their own interests and career plans.

Course Structure

The programme consists of six core modules, a customisable curriculum, and a 12,000-word dissertation. Students can choose from a range of optional modules, including placement pathways, to gain practical experience.

• MA (12 months)
• MA (21 months)
• PGDip (9 months)

Course Highlights

• Ranked 8th for Social Policy (Complete University Guide, 2025)
• Taught by experts who contribute to a vibrant research culture
• Opportunities for practical experience through optional placement modules
• Study at the UK's most targeted university by the country's leading graduate employers (Highfliers 2024)

Course Delivery

Teaching and learning take place in various forms, including traditional lectures, interactive lectures, small group seminars, and computer lab-based sessions.

• Taught modules: lectures, seminars, journal clubs, and workshops
• Research-based modules: working on your own and in groups, with regular supervision and directed research work
• Assessments: coursework, including traditional essays, policy reports, and dissertation

Module Information

The course comprises a series of taught core and optional modules. The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change.

• LM Dissertation (60 credits, Full Term)
• LM Global Policy Institutions and Networks (20 credits, Semester 2)
• LM Policy Futures: Theories and Concepts in International Policymaking (20 credits, Semester 1)
• 80 credits from the list below or other CoSS modules with the School's agreement:
  • LM Applied Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • LM Crime and Justice in a Globalised World (20 credits, Semester 1)
  • LM Crime and Social Harm (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • LM Environment, Policy, and Society (20 credits, Semester 1)
  • LM Financial Wellbeing and Inclusion: a Social Policy Perspective (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • LM Global Health Systems and Policy (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • LM Globalisation, International Migration and Citizenship (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • LM Migration, Superdiversity, Policy and Practice (20 credits, Semester 1)
  • LM Philosophies of Welfare: creating new societies? (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • LM Policy Evaluation (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • LM Policing the Crisis: An introduction to Stuart Hall and Cultural Studies (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • LM Poverty, Wealth & Inequality (20 credits, Semester 1)
  • LM Social Research and Analysis Skills (20 credits, Semester 1)
  • LM Sociology of race and racism (20 credits, Semester 1)
  • LM Transforming Identities (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • LM Transforming Societies (20 credits, Semester 1)

Entry Requirements

• 2:1 Honours degree
• International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification
• Additional requirements for international students may apply

Fees and Scholarships

• £11,250 (MA full-time)
• £9,000 (MA with placement)
• £7,500 (PGDip full-time and placement)
• Second year fee for Global Public Policy with Integrated placement: £4,500
• Scholarships and funding opportunities available

Application Process

• Application deadline: 28 August 2026
• Standard requirements for international students may apply

Career Opportunities

The programme is designed for those who intend to pursue a range of policy-related careers within local, regional, or global policy making institutions. It will equip students to work across a number of policy domains.

• Careers Network: advice, guidance, and opportunities at every step of your studies
• Careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters
• Subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students

Student Experience

At Birmingham, students have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life.

• Accommodation: a range of options in the UK's second city
• Living in Birmingham: a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry
• Student support: committed to providing the best possible support to all students
• Campus life: a green and spacious campus with state-of-the-art facilities