MRes Public Policy

• How are policy decisions made and implemented?
• What are the implications of adopting an ‘evidence-based’ approach to policy evaluation?
• How reliable is the data that comprises most public policy research?
• What research methods are appropriate for policy analysis in an environment of cultural diversity and value conflict?

These are the sorts of questions that you will explore in both theoretical and practical terms on this programme. This MRes degree is designed to provide you with an advanced theoretical and practical understanding of policy processes and to offer a grounding in research methods up to PhD level. The programme is focused around current debates on policy-making and public management in both developed and developing countries.

If you wish to develop skills in policy analysis and to further a research career in academia, in the civil service or the private and voluntary sectors then this programme is designed with your interests in mind.

This MRes is a pre-doctoral training programme currently taught in conjunction with the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS DTP) and is an approved pathway for ESRC 1+3 PhD studentship funding and ideal for those seeking to work in a research-related role. 

The new MRes programmes from 2017 will be the same structure as the MA/MSc equivalent, but will include two compulsory modules:

• Introduction to Social Science Research 1: Epistemology, Research design, and Qualitative methods
• Introduction to Social Science Research 2: Quantitative Methods and Data.

Structure

The MRes in Public Policy is currently available for one year full-time study, or two years part-time study. Students must undertake three taught modules as well as a 12,000 word dissertation.

_{Core modules}

• Dissertation

_{Compulsory modules}

• Theories of the Policy Making Process
• Implementation and Evaluation
• Introduction to Social Science Research 1: Epistemology, Research design, and Qualitative methods
• Introduction to Social Science Research 2: Quantitative Methods and Data. 

Learning and teaching

As a student at Queen Mary, you will play an active part in your acquisition of skills and knowledge. Teaching is by a mixture of formal lectures and small group seminars. The seminars are designed to generate informed discussion around set topics, and may involve student presentations, group exercise and role-play as well as open discussion. We take pride in the close and friendly working relationship we have with our students. You are assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary.

_Assessment

Students are assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. Many modules are assessed by coursework only. If a module is assessed by means of coursework alone, this is usually in the form of research essays and the course convener offers guidance and support in the researching and writing of this piece of assessment.

_Dissertation

You will also be assessed on a supervised 12,000-word dissertation. 

The school annually awards the Marc Lane-Martine prize for best masters dissertation in Public Policy.

Fees

_{Tuition fees for Home and EU students}

2019/20 Academic Year

Full time £9,150

Part time £4,575

_{Tuition fees for International students}

2019/20 Academic Year

Full time £16,550

Part time £8,275

Funding

There are a number of sources of funding available for Masters students.

These include a significant package of competitive Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) bursaries and scholarships in a range of subject areas, as well as external sources of funding.

_{Queen Mary bursaries and scholarships}

We offer a range of bursaries and scholarships for Masters students including competitive scholarships, bursaries and awards, some of which are for applicants studying specific subjects.

Find out more about QMUL bursaries and scholarships.

_{Alternative sources of funding}

Home/EU students can apply for a range of other funding, such as Professional and Career Development Loans, and Employer Sponsorship, depending on their circumstances and the specific programme of study.

Overseas students may be eligible to apply for a range of external scholarships and we also provide information about relevant funding providers in your home country on our country web pages.

Download our Postgraduate Funding Guide for detailed information about postgraduate funding options for Home/EU students.

Read more about alternative sources of funding for Home/EU studentsand for Overseas students.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 5079

email [email protected]

_{Other financial help on offer at Queen Mary}

We offer one to one specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.

Our Advice and Counselling Service also has lots of Student Advice Guides on all aspects of finance including:

• Planning your budget and cutting costs [PDF]
• Part-time and vacation work [PDF]

Visit the MRes Public Policy page on the Queen Mary University of London website for more details!