MSc Public Policy
- MSc
Overview
What is public policy? Who is it shaped by? Which institutions are involved? What impact does it have on an economic, social and cultural environment that is globalised?
This programme engages with contemporary policy concerns and the increasing complexity of the policy environment. It explores the contested dynamics of policymaking and policy implementation and provides students with the skills to understand, critically evaluate and develop policy alternatives in a local, national and international context. The programme seeks to prepare the next generation of policymakers to address a range of policy issues and understand the role and impact of different stakeholders, including business and the voluntary sector as well as international and regional organisations.
It is intended for those who aspire to pursue professional career options, including policy planning, policy consultancy and policy officer positions for local and national government, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations.
As well as considering general policy concerns, the programme gives you an opportunity to choose from a range of substantive policy issues, which might include the international analysis of poverty and social exclusion; public management and organisations; migration, asylum and human rights; the economics of public policy; environmental policy; or corruption and public policy. Every unit considers policy in an international and comparative context.
Students on this programme will benefit from being taught by academics who are leaders in their areas of research. The University of Bristol has been ranked 14th in the world for Social Policy and Administration according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
To find out more, take a look at these videos exploring scholarships, international studies and the student perspective.
Programme structure
There are three core units and a choice of optional units. You must also complete a dissertation which normally begins in late February and is submitted by the end of the summer.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content of our MSc in Public Policy.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a Social Science discipline such as:
- Accounting and Finance
- Business Administration
- Communication
- Criminology
- Demography/Population Studies
- Development studies
- Economics
- Education
- Environmental sciences
- Gender studies
- Geography
- Health sciences
- History
- Journalism
- Law
- Management
- Media Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Social Administration
- Social Policy
- Social Welfare
- Social work
- Sociology
- Urban studies.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
We will also consider your application if your degree is not listed above, if you have evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum 18 months paid or unpaid) in the following sectors/areas: mid- to high-level policy work for local or national government or third sector/voluntary/community-based organisation (Manager, Director, Policy Officer, Researcher, Analyst, Policy Maker, Political/Civil Office).
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:
- evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum 18 months paid or unpaid) in the following sectors/areas: mid- to high-level policy work for local or national government or third sector/voluntary/community-based organisation (Manager, Director, Policy Officer, Researcher, Analyst, Policy Maker, Political/Civil Office);
- a postgraduate qualification in any discipline.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Go to admissions statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £17,700 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £8,850 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £31,800 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Graduates from our MSc in Public Policy frequently work in roles that focus on strategy, policy development and implementation, or policy research. Potential employers include local or central government departments; national or international non-governmental organisations; and international institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk