5Jun
PostgraduateCourse summary
Rethink public policy and explore creative approaches to contemporary public policy strategy, design and delivery. Specifically designed for working professionals, this course combines online and intensive residential teaching. This specialist MSc in Public Policy offers in-depth study of how public policy is made, what shapes it and how public policy professionals can make a difference in diverse contexts. On the course, you will:
- investigate the political, economic and social dynamics that affect contemporary public policy
- examine how data and evidence in the digital environment are re-shaping how public policy is analysed, made and practised
- learn how to combine theory and practice to advance creative approaches for policy design and delivery
- develop your own policy specialism with the option to undertake work-related projects as part of your studies
- Highly applied in nature, the course draws on diverse cases from policymaking globally, as well as from Europe and the UK. You will work with academics from the Institute for Policy Research, Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies and Department of Economics with international expertise in this area and links to senior public policy makers and experienced policy analysts.
- advanced understanding of the concepts and tools used in public policymaking today, their application and limitations
- deeper knowledge of the contexts and constraints within which public policy is made
- confidence to apply creatively different policymaking tools, identifying new ways to achieve public policy goals
- highly structured content, fortnightly online discussions and regular interactive online seminars with academic staff
- face-to-face learning and networking opportunities at short residentials
- state-of-the-art course material designed and taught by expert academic staff, teaching on their research specialisms
- practical applications that can draw on examples from your own professional experience
- intensive support from expert Bath academics throughout
Modules
This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2023 and ends in 2025. Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions. Units The course combines four compulsory residential events with in-depth and structured online learning facilitated by academic staff who are experts in their subject areas. View budgeting information Compulsory course units These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units. Year 1 Public policy: politics, theory and practice Public policy and economics Year 1: Residential 1 University of Bath Attendance at the September 2023 residential week is compulsory. Exact dates to be confirmed. This residential is likely to take place at the University of Bath campus. University accommodation can be booked. Provisions are in place for this to take place online if necessary. Year 1: Residential 2 Attendance at the 3-day May 2024 residential is compulsory. Exact dates to be confirmed. This residential is likely to take place at the University of Bath campus. University accommodation can be booked. Provisions are in place for this to take place online if necessary. Year 2 Evidence knowledge and data in public policy Public policy case analysis Either Public policy dissertation or Public policy portfolio Year 2: Residential 3 University of Bath Attendance at the September 2024 residential week is compulsory. Exact dates to be confirmed. This residential is likely to take place at the University of Bath campus. University accommodation can be booked. Provisions are in place for this to take place online if necessary. Year 2: Residential 4 Attendance at the 3-day January 2025 residential week is compulsory. Exact dates to be confirmed. This residential is likely to take place at the University of Bath campus. University accommodation can be booked. Provisions are in place for this to take place online if necessary.
Assessment method
Blog Data analysis practical Essay Online web-forum contributions Policy brief Policy evidence and data review Presentations Public Policy case report Take-home examination
Entry requirements
British qualifications You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above. To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as politics, political economy, human or political geography, sociology, economics, international relations, security or area studies. We will also consider graduates with an undergraduate degree in other subjects where you have relevant professional experience in any area of public policy. We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree. If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English Language requirements. English language requirements IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course. If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.
English language requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
Tuition fees can be found on our web pages and are liable to increase annually. UK and Islands fees are regulated by the UK government and are subject to parliamentary approval. For all other fees, you should budget for an increase of up to 5% for every further year of study.
For information on tuition fees visit our web pages: http://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/tuition-fees/
Provider information
University of Bath
Claverton Down
Bath
BA2 7AY