MSc Public Policy
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Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
-
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
Gain the tools to understand and assess public policy with our MSc Public Policy degree.
Domestic and international public policy decisions affect all areas of our lives, including health, welfare, housing, education, security, international development, energy and climate change.
On this University of Reading’s interdisciplinary course, you will use traditional and modern insights from both economics and politics to develop the essential skills needed in policy making and policy administration.
Specialist pathways
There are five different pathways within MSc Public Policy that reflect major public policy challenges. You can combine core and optional modules from different pathways, or choose to specialise in one:
- Global and Regional Governance and Institutions
- International Security Studies
- International Development and Emerging Markets
- Sustainable Environments
- Welfare and Social Policy.
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.
Connect with industry while you study
We are one of the few universities to offer an optional Capstone Project module, which is designed to give students hands-on experience. Working in small groups and overseen by a faculty member, you will contribute to your degree by completing a project on behalf of an external organisation, such as:
- business companies
- government agencies
- not-for-profit organisations
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Past projects have included: impact assessment of policy and business options, cost benefit analysis and advice to a local economic partnership on how to develop a strategy in response to the UK government’s new Industrial Strategy White Paper.
You can also choose to apply your academic knowledge in a practical way with an applied research placement project or an internship with an external organisation specifically related to the general sphere of public policy. Based on this work experience, you’ll complete a research report which will help develop your capacity for independent, critical research in a specialised domain.
You will receive formal credit towards your degree for placement learning.
Your learning environment
This programme strongly aligns with the research and teaching expertise of the Department of Economics and Department of Politics and International Relations, which is mostly in applied and policy-focused topics directed towards improving the quality of life in the UK and around the world.
Our research has real-world applications and has informed policy decisions by governments, major multinational organisations, and agencies such as the UN and the World Bank.
It’s natural that our teaching is also research-led and relevant.
Learn from policy experts
We strengthen and explore our research through an active guest speaker programme, which offers a different perspective and keeps you updated with the latest global developments and challenges.
In the past, we have run seminars that feature politicians and government officials. Our students have also experienced classes with policy makers and analysts from the UK government.
Overview
Gain the tools to understand and assess public policy with our MSc Public Policy degree.
Domestic and international public policy decisions affect all areas of our lives, including health, welfare, housing, education, security, international development, energy and climate change.
On this University of Reading’s interdisciplinary course, you will use traditional and modern insights from both economics and politics to develop the essential skills needed in policy making and policy administration.
Specialist pathways
There are five different pathways within MSc Public Policy that reflect major public policy challenges. You can combine core and optional modules from different pathways, or choose to specialise in one:
- Global and Regional Governance and Institutions
- International Security Studies
- International Development and Emerging Markets
- Sustainable Environments
- Welfare and Social Policy.
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.
Learning
Connect with industry while you study
We are one of the few universities to offer an optional Capstone Project module, which is designed to give students hands-on experience. Working in small groups and overseen by a faculty member, you will contribute to your degree by completing a project on behalf of an external organisation, such as:
- business companies
- government agencies
- not-for-profit organisations
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Past projects have included: impact assessment of policy and business options, cost benefit analysis and advice to a local economic partnership on how to develop a strategy in response to the UK government’s new Industrial Strategy White Paper.
You can also choose to apply your academic knowledge in a practical way with an applied research placement project or an internship with an external organisation specifically related to the general sphere of public policy. Based on this work experience, you’ll complete a research report which will help develop your capacity for independent, critical research in a specialised domain.
You will receive formal credit towards your degree for placement learning.
Your learning environment
This programme strongly aligns with the research and teaching expertise of the Department of Economics and Department of Politics and International Relations, which is mostly in applied and policy-focused topics directed towards improving the quality of life in the UK and around the world.
Our research has real-world applications and has informed policy decisions by governments, major multinational organisations, and agencies such as the UN and the World Bank.
It’s natural that our teaching is also research-led and relevant.
Learn from policy experts
We strengthen and explore our research through an active guest speaker programme, which offers a different perspective and keeps you updated with the latest global developments and challenges.
In the past, we have run seminars that feature politicians and government officials. Our students have also experienced classes with policy makers and analysts from the UK government.
Entry requirements
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)
Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (high 2:2 level or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. a social science, arts, business or humanities subject is preferred. Relevant work experience may also be taken into account.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
ECM184 | Economics of Public Policy | PROF Giovanni Razzu |
PIM1 | Advanced Academic Skills | DR Kerry Goettlich |
PIM49 | Politics of Public Policy | DR David Marshall |
PIM91 | Dissertation in Public Policy | DR David Marshall |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
ECM101 | Microeconomic Policy | DR Andy Chung |
ECM171 | Development Economics | DR Nigel Wadeson |
ECM185 | Economics of Social Policy | PROF Simonetta Longhi |
ECM200 | Capstone Project | PROF Giovanni Razzu |
ECM620 | Economics of Corporate Strategy | DR Kiran Karrouchi |
PIM100 | NATO Strategy during and after the Cold War | DR Kenton White |
PIM54 | Philosophical Issues in the Social Sciences | PROF Alan Cromartie |
PIM63 | International Relations Theory | DR Amanda Hall |
PIM64 | International Security Studies | DR Andreas Behnke |
PIM65 | Strategic Studies | DR Kerry Goettlich |
PIM66 | Contemporary Diplomacy | DR Sarah Von Billerbeck |
PIM74 | Terrorism in a Globalising World | DR Christina Hellmich |
PIM85 | Introduction to Qualitative research methods in Politics and International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PIM86 | Introduction to Quantitative research methods in Politics and International Relations | DR Jonathan Golub |
PIM92 | Applied Research Project and Placement | DR David Marshall |
PIM93 | Worlding International Relations | DR Andreas Behnke |
PIM94 | Building Peace | DR Sarah Von Billerbeck |
APME61 | Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects | PROF Chittur Srinivasan |
IDM012 | Gender and Development | DR Sarah Cardey |
REMP02 | Planning Theory, Politics and Practice | PROF Gavin Parker |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,500
New international students: £21,350
Tuition fee information
The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional Costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Scholarships and financial support
For information about the University of Reading’s master’s scholarships, please visit our master’s scholarships page.
You can apply for a scholarship once you hold an offer of admission for your course. If you are eligible for a scholarship, we will contact you to guide you through the process.
Careers
Our MSc Public Policy degree is designed for those who want to work in public service or non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including international agencies. It is particularly relevant for careers in the international sphere of public service, or within the domestic or Foreign Service of a home state.
Our graduates pursue careers in a wide range of areas within government, civil service, business, research, journalism and teaching. A number also pursue PhD-level study and research.
- Read how Chloe Butcher secured a job as a Policy and Partnership Manager for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.
- Read Jacob Kenny’s story about how he built a career as an economist.