MA Public Policy and Public Management with a Placement Year

How do governments respond to climate emergencies Who shapes migration policies What drives the decisions that impact our daily lives In today's rapidly evolving global landscape, understanding these complex processes is more crucial than ever. Our MA Public Policy and Public Management equips you with both theoretical insights and practical tools to address these challenges. You'll analyse how policies addressing housing crises, healthcare reform, and environmental regulation move from ideas to implementation. Through case studies of successful and failed initiatives, you'll uncover the forces that shape public decision-making and develop strategies to navigate complex governance systems. This programme welcomes students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Whether you've studied politics, economics, sociology, law, humanities, or have professional experience in the public or private sectors, our curriculum provides accessible entry points while offering depth for those with prior knowledge. The multidisciplinary approach allows you to connect your existing expertise to new frameworks while developing specialised knowledge through optional modules in areas such as environmental policy, international governance, or digital transformation in the public sector. The dissertation represents a great opportunity to conduct independent research under expert academic supervision, applying theoretical frameworks to real-world policy challenges. Beyond the classroom, we offer enriching experiences including internships, placements, and our popular speaker series featuring leading academics, policymakers and politicians discussing contemporary political issues. You'll develop essential transferable skills including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, presentation abilities, teamwork, and independent research capabilities. These competencies prepare you for diverse career paths in government, the Civil Service, NGOs, international organisations, media, and further academic study. Join a vibrant community where theory meets practice, preparing you to navigate and influence the complex world of public policy both in the UK and internationally.