Course summary
This exciting programme seeks to understand how policy is formulated within this evolving and dynamic context by drawing on the core concepts of policy analysis and theories of policy change. Discover a flexible curriculum designed to fuel your intellectual curiosity and career ambitions. Our diverse module options, including placement pathways, empower you to chart your own course. Why study this programme at the University of Birmingham? Our Global Public Policy Masters degree is taught by experts who contribute to a vibrant research culture. This means you’ll build a broad range of skills and experience, all in massive demand among employers. At Birmingham, we’re ranked 8th for Social Policy (Complete University Guide, 2025), with our specialist leading academics driving all of our teaching and research.
- Tailor the curriculum to match your own interests and career plans. Gain experience in the workplace with our optional pathways that incorporate a placement module.
- Study at the UK's most targeted university by the country’s leading graduate employers (Highfliers 2024)
- Engage critically with cutting-edge research on local and international policymaking.
Modules
Visit our course page for more information on modules available.
Assessment method
Your degree will predominantly be assessed through a range of coursework, such as traditional essay, policy reports and dissertation; currently two of our modules utilise written examination as a mode of assessment. You will be offered the opportunity across core modules to complete formative assessments and to receive feedback which can be used to develop your writing style, structuring and critical reasoning, without the mark carrying into your degree classification. Masters students undertake a 10,000 word dissertation on a subject of their choice. Each student is allocated an experienced specialist supervisor, selected for their experience of both the subject matter and supervision.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
Entry requirements
For entry onto this programme you will normally have an undergraduate degree of at least a 2:1. Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification will be considered on a case by case basis, if you have extensive related work experience. International applicants will be required to hold an IELTs 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For more detailed information on available funding and fees for postgraduate courses please visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/fees-funding
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT