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Double Master's in Public Policy

The School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Reading offers a double master's programme with the KDI School of Public Policy and Management. Students study one year at each institution and receive two master’s degrees.

Students studying on the KDI Global Master’s Program will study a Master’s in Public Policy at the University of Reading in their second year.

Close up of a gavel

Offered jointly by the Department of Economics and the Department of Politics and International Relations, our interdisciplinary MSc Public Policy course uses insights from both areas to develop your policymaking skills. You can focus on a specialist area such as welfare policy, sustainable environments, global governance and international development.

Learn more about our MSc Public Policy course

The MPP (Master's in Public Policy) taught me how various stakeholders interact in the policymaking process, and I find this beneficial as I engage with politicians and citizens to develop economic programmes that are responsive to their needs and wants.

Sharon Adhiambo, MA Public Policy

Public Sector Economist, Kenya

Programme structure

You will study your first year with KDI and then your second year with Reading.

The MSc Public Policy programme at Reading is based around core taught modules, as well as specialist pathways that reflect major public policy challenges. The pathways are designed so you can tailor your studies to reflect your personal or national interests, as well as provide an issue-based focus for further in-depth analysis. This means you can also choose to undertake a dissertation in conjunction with the pathway component of your studies.

Entry requirements

  • Students must successfully complete their first year at KDI and pass the Research Methods module.
  • English Language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no element below 5.5.

How to apply

  • Check you meet our entry requirements.
  • Submit your application: visit the University of Reading’s online application portal to apply and select KDI as your partner institution.
  • Track your application: you can track the progress of your application using our applicant portal, Me@Reading. You will be able to log into this area once we’ve received your application.

The international student experience

We'll help you to thrive in a lively academic environment developed from cross-cultural collaboration.

Both our student and staff communities are made up of people from across the world. At Reading, we have students from around 160 countries studying with us.

Our advisers are available to offer support on issues such as money matters, visa queries, accommodation, and even help with defining words which might be unfamiliar to you. You can also benefit from the Reading University International Mentoring Scheme, matching you with a current student mentor at the University.

Read more about how we support international students