MSc Public Policy
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Application deadline: August
- Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
Study with us
- explore various conceptual and methodological tools and their connections to real-world problems
- gain a range of useful research and analysis skills
- freedom in dissertation topic to focus on any area of public policy
- provides rigorous training in the analytical frameworks and methods required in the study of public policy
- ideal for those wanting professional skills to become a policy practitioner, analyst or to proceed to a PhD
Why this course?
Our MSc in Public Policy provides rigorous training in the analytical frameworks and methods required in the study of public policy. You’ll explore the various methodological tools and their connections to real world problems facing governments and related organisations. You’ll also gain a range of key skills including:
- analytical and critical thinking
- research management
- data analysis
- report writing and presentation
The course is ideal for those wanting professional skills to become a policy practitioner, analyst or to proceed to a PhD.
Government and Public Policy at Strathclyde is at the forefront of efforts to analyse empirically and critique, via a variety of approaches, international relations, elections and political systems, and the factors shaping domestic and international public policy.
Professor Thomas Scotto
Head of School of Government & Public Policy
What you’ll study
The course 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. In addition, you'll undertake a research project dissertation.
Work placement
You'll have the opportunity to complete a client-based project as an alternative to the standard dissertation. Host organisations include local, city, and national governmental organisations for project-based MSc dissertations.
These projects will normally be unpaid, however, all costs such as travel and accommodation will be covered by the host organisation, if out of town.
Facilities
The School of Government & Public Policy have a number of research centres that relate to the topics covered and the content of the course. For example, the European Policies Research Centre is a leading hub for the study of regional development policy and collection of such data in Europe, a centre that is of increasing importance in the wake of Brexit.
Specialised policy centres focused on health and energy – such as the Centre for Energy Policy – also add to the applied policy environment at Strathclyde. The Institute for Future Cities' City Observatory, located in Strathclyde’s award-winning Technology & Innovation Centre, uses data to understand and address urban problems. The University also has many centres and institutes with projects that incorporate European governance and political issues, such as Fraser of Allander Institute.
Guest lectures
Speakers at our weekly seminars include guest lecturers who come to Strathclyde as part of the Erasmus programme. They're also available for individual consultations with you as an MSc student here. Strathclyde’s organised research centres such as the European Policies Research Centre, routinely host their own 'Speaker’s Series' where talks relevant to the content of the course are common. You'll have time for networking with visiting speakers afterwards.
Learning & teaching
All classes are taught in seminars, which combine theoretical discussion and a strong empirical or policy focus, as appropriate. Seminars consist of a variety of teaching techniques; including from small-group work, structured debates, presentations, and background lectures.
Classes average 20 contact hours with additional computer laboratory sessions for some methods classes.
Assessment
Methods of assessment include written assignments, blogs, podcasts, practical team projects, presentations, individual projects, and exams. Most classes involve more than one method of assessment to help you realise your potential.
Taught classes make up two thirds of the total assessment. Your dissertation, produced over the summer, accounts for the remaining third.
The course offers an excellent opportunity to build on existing knowledge and learn valuable research skills with a view to a future career in government.
Graduate, Public Policy (MSc)
Semester 1
Policy Analysis
Public policy is the study of how governments and other agencies acting in the name of the general public deliberate on and enact policy.
This class examines the theoretical, empirical and practical issues involved in conducting policy analysis. Included are discussions of major concepts, processes, and types of policy issues, all studied in comparative manner. Major classics in the field will be read.
Semester 2
Comparative Public Policy
This class revolves around the different aims for conducting comparative policy analysis such as explaining the variation of policy output and outcome across different institutional, economic, social and cultural settings, generalising a given theory of policy process in different geographical contexts and by taking time into consideration, as well as capturing the interdependence of countries. Units of analysis include countries, states/regions, local governments, and international organisations.
Students will be introduced to concepts, research design, and methods.
Principles of Research Design
This class covers key research design issues and enables you to evaluate alternative research designs and create appropriate research proposals. The class is designed to help you decide a research topic and a design that you will use for your dissertation. Topics covered include formulating research questions, developing concepts, and how to select cases to study.
Quantitative Methods 1
This class introduces participants to the use of quantitative methods in social research; in particular, the logic and language of empirical analysis, the principal types of quantitative data (official statistics and surveys), and the use of software packages for statistical analysis.
Quantitative Methods 2
This class trains participants in the design, application, presentation, and critical evaluation of quantitative political research using relevant software packages for statistical analysis.
Qualitative Methods
This class provides an overview of the ever-expanding field of qualitative methods in Political Science, International Relations and Policy Studies. A variety of data collection/generation and analytical methods will be examined, and situated within different traditions/paradigms of social research.
Throughout this class, we'll examine how these methods can be applied in students’ own research projects.
European Governance
The evolution and the future of EU integration is of particular contemporary relevance. This class examines processes of decision making and policies at the European Union level. It also evaluates the quality of governance through the lenses of democratic principles such as representation, legitimacy and efficiency.
European Political Economy
Europe is currently at crossroads, economically, politically and socially. This class uses a political economy approach (ie the interaction between economics and politics) to engage core European debates, including the dilemmas of EU integration, the tension between economic efficiency and social cohesion, the future of the Euro, and the implications of Brexit. It also examines the challenges faced by European nations in an increasingly complex global environment.
International Institutions & Regimes
The purpose of this class is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the concepts and theoretical approaches central to understanding and analysing the role of international institutions and regimes in the contemporary world.
This class will survey a variety of international institutions and regimes, exploring how they shape global interactions in a number of cross-cutting issue areas such as security, trade, human rights and the environment. The overall analysis will contribute to the understanding of the theories, practices and processes through which global politics are organised and to an assessment of the future of international institutions and regimes in global governance.
Principles of Research Design (if not taken as compulsory)
This class covers key research design issues and enables you to evaluate alternative research designs and create appropriate research proposals. The class is designed to help you decide a research topic and a design that you will use for your dissertation. Topics covered include formulating research questions, developing concepts, and how to select cases to study.
Quantitative Methods I (if not taken as compulsory)
This class introduces participants to the use of quantitative methods in social research; in particular, the logic and language of empirical analysis, the principal types of quantitative data (official statistics and surveys), and the use of software packages for statistical analysis.
Quantitative Methods II (if not taken as compulsory)
This class trains participants in the design, application, presentation, and critical evaluation of quantitative political research using relevant software packages for statistical analysis.
Qualitative Methods (if not taken as compulsory)
This class provides an overview of the ever-expanding field of qualitative methods in Political Science, International Relations and Policy Studies. A variety of data collection/generation and analytical methods will be examined, and situated within different traditions/paradigms of social research. Throughout this class, we will examine how these methods can be applied in students’ own research projects.
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Entry requirements
| Academic requirements | First or upper second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, in social science. |
|---|---|
| English language requirements | You're required to have a suitable minimum level of competency in the English language if your first language is not English or if you have not been educated wholly or mainly in the medium of English. For postgraduate studies, the University of Strathclyde requires a minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 (no individual test score below 5.5) or equivalent. Tests are valid for two years. Pre-sessional courses in English are available. If you’re a national of an English speaking country recognised by UK Visas and Immigration (please check most up-to-date list on the Home Office website) or you have successfully completed an academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree) in any of these countries, then you do not need to present any additional evidence. If you are from a country not recognised as an English speaking country by UK Visas and Immigration, please check our English requirements before making your application. |
Pre-Masters preparation course
The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde. The Pre-Masters programme provides progression to a number of degree options.
Upon successful completion, you will be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
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Fees & funding
2020/21
All fees quoted are full-time per academic year unless stated otherwise.
| Scotland/EU | £6,800 |
|---|---|
| Rest of UK | £6,800 |
| International | £15,800 |
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: The fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my course?
Scottish and non-UK EU postgraduate students
Scottish and non-UK EU postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Strathclyde Alumni
Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Alumni Discount
10% tuition fee discount is offered to all Strathclyde alumni completing a full-time postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences.
Find out more about our alumni discountCareers
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
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Our campus is based in the very heart of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. National Geographic named Glasgow as one of its 'Best of the World' destinations, while Rough Guide readers have voted Glasgow the world’s friendliest city! And Time Out named Glasgow in the top ten best cities in the world - we couldn't agree more!
We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
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I'm concerned about determining generalizable outcomes of international events without any normative concern or interest. Yet, as a political science scholar, I believe it's my duty to educate and inspire students in political science. My goal is to ensure that our students are able to leave our MSc programs and follow their passion in politics and public policy so that they may make a real-world.
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Public Policy
Qualification: MSc
Start Date: Sep 2020
Mode of Delivery: full-time
Public Policy
Qualification: MSc
Start Date: Sep 2020
Mode of Delivery: part-time
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