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Political Science - Governance and Public Policy at University of Manchester - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Study the MA Political Science Governance and Public Policy course and explore some of the key political science and public policy issues of the 21st century. These include:

  • an examination of the nature and problems of policy making in the contemporary world;
  • how in a globalised world public decision-making can be constructed in a way that delivers legitimacy and effective capacity to act;
  • the impact of governance arrangements on policy outcomes and the relationship between the state and citizens.
It also involves in the course units on offer, an opportunity to apply insights gleaned in a variety of contemporary settings. The course will appeal to those interested in governance and policy making at any level: neighbourhood, local, national, European and global. It provides a base for employment in a range of sectors from public service employment at the cutting edge, through corporate responsibility units in the private sector to a variety of non-profit organisations. You will also benefit from a close connection to the Institute of Political and Economic Governance. The University established the institute in 2002, and its aim is to provide a major focus for research as well as practitioner and academic exchange over governance issues. You'll take two core course units:
  • Public Policy (in)to Practice;
  • Governance and the State.
Alongside two compulsory course units:
  • Comparative Political Analysis;
  • Research Design and Skills.
In addition, you will be able to choose a minimum of two course units from the pathway specific unit choices and a maximum of two units from the politics-wide optional units.

Entry requirements

We require a UK bachelor's degree with a First or Upper Second classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline. When assessing your academic record we consider your degree subject, grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your 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 fees for entry in 2025, please view the course listing on our website.

Sponsorship information

We offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding applicants, such as the Manchester Humanities International Excellence Scholarship . The Manchester Alumni Scholarship Scheme offers a £3,000 fee reduction to Manchester alumni who achieved a first-class bachelor's degree within the last three years and are progressing to postgraduate study. For more information, see our Fees and funding page.

Political Science - Governance and Public Policy at University of Manchester - UCAS