Rethink public policy. Explore creative approaches to contemporary public policy strategy, design, and delivery in a global context.
This specialist master's course is specifically designed for working professionals. It combines online and intensive residential teaching.
By exploring how public policy is made, what shapes it, and how public policy professionals can make a difference, you’ll prepare for a range of policy-related roles. These span the public, voluntary and private sectors.
You’ll learn from academics with real-world experience in the formulation of public policy. Their teaching will be influenced by contemporary UK and worldwide case studies and research to give you an up-to-date global perspective on the role public policy plays in decision-making.
On the course, you will:
- investigate the political, economic and social dynamics that affect contemporary public policy
- examine how data and evidence in the digital environment are re-shaping how public policy is analysed, made and practised
- learn how to combine theory and practice to advance creative approaches for policy design and delivery
- develop your own policy specialism with the option to undertake work-related projects as part of your studies
Watch our webinar about this course
Learn within a global network
Throughout the course, you’ll be immersed in a global network of policy-making researchers. This will give you opportunities to learn from a range of academics actively working in the field. This includes staff from:
Many members of these communities have international expertise in their areas, and links to senior international public policy makers and experienced policy analysts.
The distance learning format of this course puts you among a diverse and global group of peers. You’ll be able to draw on your own experiences and learn from your classmates through online group sessions and discussions. During the in-person residentials at our Bath campus, you'll also have opportunities to expand your network across current cohorts, as well as doctoral level students and staff.
Gain key skills
You will leave the course with:
- an advanced understanding of the concepts and tools used in public policymaking today, as well as they their application and limitations both in the UK and internationally
- in-depth critical understanding of the political, economic and social dynamics that shape public policy development and outcomes in specialist field(s) of public policy.
- a deeper knowledge of the contexts and constraints within which public policy is made on a global level
- the confidence to apply creatively different policymaking tools, identifying new ways to achieve public policy goals
Graduate prospects
The specialist teaching you will receive and advanced skills you will acquire could put you in a strong position for moving forward in any policy-facing or policy-shaping role, whether in analysis, strategy or delivery.
You will be equipped to pursue or advance your career as (indicatively):
- a national civil servant in a policy role
- government affairs official
- think tank researcher
- parliamentary advisor
- policy advisor
- policy advocate in a large INGO or advocacy organisation
- regional or local government strategy
- public service policy or strategy
- private sector providing contracted public sector services
Some of our recent graduates of this course, have gone on to secure the following roles:
- Co founder & Manager, GovTech Lab (Lithuania)
- EU Regulation Expert, PSE: Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne S.A. (Poland)
- Project Consultant, Inter-American Development Bank (Peru)
- Widening Access and Inclusion Manager, Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW)
- Senior Assistant Secretary to the President - Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka
- Programme Policy Officer, World Food Programme (South Sudan)
- Community & Political Engagement Director, TPXimpact
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be equipped with the relevant skillset for doctoral level studies. You'll also be prepared for the pursuit of a career in academia or advanced international policymaking.