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Governance, Politics and Policy at University of Manchester - UCAS

Course options

2026 - 2027
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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

Our MA Governance, Politics and Policy explores the fundamental political, governance, and policy-related issues shaping societies in the 21st century. On this master’s, you will investigate how policies are actually made. Uncover the competing interests, power dynamics, institutional constraints, and real-world pressures that shape decisions at every level of government. You’ll examine how governing systems influence policymaking, how political authority operates from local councils to major international bodies, and how ideas, evidence, and public debate feed into policy outcomes. Alongside this, you will develop the analytical and research skills needed to navigate and make sense of today’s most pressing political challenges. You’ll be able to tailor your course to fit your interests, exploring topics such as:

  • Political Parties in Contemporary Britain;
  • European Politics and Policy Making;
  • Understanding Political Change;
  • Politics and Data Science.
See a full list of mandatory and optional course units below. You will benefit from studying at an internationally renowned centre for policy research. In addition, our Policy@Manchester institute , will give you the opportunity to engage with public policy and governance in deeper, hands-on ways – whether that be attending regular talks and seminars, meeting with politicians and policy makers, or finding a professional experience placement in the field. Through the course, you will develop subject area expertise as well as highly transferrable skills such as research design, critical inquiry, and writing and communication skills, setting you up for multiple career paths in the public, private, or third sectors. You will also be well-placed to continue developing and using your research expertise, either professionally or in PhD study. Research or Standard Route? The key difference between our MA Governance, Politics and Policy (Standard Route) and our MA Governance, Politics and Policy (Research Route) is the amount and scope of mandatory course units you will take. On the Standard Route, in addition to your dissertation, you will take four mandatory course units and four optional course units. Mandatory units on this route are: POLI70892 Governance and the State; POLI60301 Comparative Political Analysis; POLI60312 Research Design Skills; POLI71042 Understanding Political Change. On the Research Route, in addition to your dissertation, you will take six mandatory course units and two optional course units. Mandatory units on this route are: POLI70892 Governance and the State; POLI60301 Comparative Political Analysis; POLI60341 Tools and Techniques of Applied Quantitative Methods; POLI60312 Research Design Skills; POLI71042 Understanding Political Change; Qualitative Research Methods.

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 2026, please view the course listing on our website.
Governance, Politics and Policy at University of Manchester - UCAS