Public Policy MSc

Why this course?

This course provides rigorous training in the analytical frameworks and methods required in the study of public policy.

It’s ideal for those wanting professional skills to become a policy practitioner, analyst or to proceed to a PhD.

You’ll explore the various methodological tools and their connections to real world problems facing governments and related organisations. You’ll learn a range of key skills:

• Analytical & Critical Thinking
• Research Management
• Data Analysis
• Report Writing & Presentation

You can study this course full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months.

You’ll study

The MSc in Public Policy is organised into core and optional classes. The core classes provide an introduction to the theory and practice of public policy, as well as a range of skills and methodologies to design, conduct and report on social research.

Facilities

Established in 2010, the School of Government & Public Policy has three research centres:

• European Policies Research Centre
• Centre for the Study of Public Policy
• Centre for Elections and Representation Studies

Learning & teaching

The MSc in Public Policy comprises of core and optional classes and a dissertation. The core classes provide an introduction to the theory and practice of public policy, as well as a range of skills and methodologies relevant to designing, conducting and reporting on social research.

All classes are taught in small-group seminars. You’ll receive considerable time and attention from our staff in the seminars and individual supervision sessions.

If you’re studying part-time you’ll attend classes across two academic years. You’ll work on a dissertation over 10 months.

Classes average 20 contact hours, with additional computer laboratory sessions for some methods classes. Part-time students attend classes across two academic years. They then work on their dissertation over the course of 10 months.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods including essays, options papers and group projects. These account for two thirds of the total assessment. Your dissertation accounts for one third of the total assessment.

Careers

Where are they now?

Examples of organisations our graduates work for include:

• Audit Scotland
• Centre for African Family Studies
• Centre for Scottish Public Policy
• Confederation of Passenger Transport
• German Red Cross
• Hall Aitken Associates
• Health and Social Care Alliance
• HMRC
• Invicta Public Affairs
• Ministry of Finance Iceland
• Morgan Stanley
• National Centre for Social Research
• NHS 
• Ofgem
• Santander Bank UK
• Scottish Council for Development and Industry
• Scottish Refugee Council
• Serco Group
• The Improvement Service
• The Scottish Parliament
• United Nations Development Programme 
• West and Central Voluntary Network

Visit the Public Policy MSc page on the University of Strathclyde website for more details!