10Feb
PostgraduateCourse summary
Today's policymakers face many complex challenges, from the economy and the environment to education, migration, healthcare, and beyond. Our custom-designed MSc in Public Policy critically examines global policy concerns, exploring the reasons why decisions are made and how these decisions impact different areas of society. Covering all aspects of the policy process from agenda setting to evaluation, the curriculum has been developed to equip you with the skills to examine diverse policy issues, make evidence-driven decisions, and evaluate their success or failure. Whether you are looking for a role with an NGO or government, or simply looking to advance your private sector role with a cutting-edge ability to evaluate how policy decisions will shape your industry, this course gives you the skills to advance your career. With modules covering public policy and data analysis, the course hones your ability to analyse and interpret data to address global public policy questions. The diverse range of policy and analytical modules provide you with bespoke skills. The capstone project allows you to put your learning into practice by collaborating with an external organisation to address key policy-related questions. This evidence-based project prepares you for future employment providing you with hands-on experience and showcasing your qualifications and practical problem-solving skills. The course is multidisciplinary, drawing on politics, economics, social policy, and sociology. It is likely to appeal to those looking to pursue a career in policy planning, political consultancy, and financial services, as well as policy-based roles in local and national government, international development and NGOs. Course structure Core modules: Public Policy explores how policy is made across the world, including the impact of diverse institutional arrangements. In this module you will analyse the intersection of political behaviour and institutional governance in policy formation. One from: Quantitative Methods and Analysis, for those without prior data analysis experience. This module is an introductory route to data analysis. You will cover elements of research design, statistical analysis, and learn about data collection. Full Stack Research Design, for those with prior data analysis experience. This module delves into data analysis approaches to policy evaluation, including regression modelling. And: Causal Inference offers hands-on expertise in causal inference methods for data analysis, exploring (quasi-)experimental designs and techniques for understanding whether policies work and why. The Capstone Project is an opportunity to collaborate with NGOs or government departments to address a policy challenge and provide strategic analysis to refine your future direction. The Dissertation in Public Policy is a substantial piece of independent work in an aspect of public policy of your choice. The 10,000-word dissertation is the culmination of the MSc, bringing together elements of learning from across the course. Plus up to three optional modules from a selection which may include:
- Surveys, Survey Experiments, and Analysis
- Communicating Quantitative Evidence: Visualisations, Narratives and Tables
- Advanced Topics in Public Policy
- Making the Leap from Evidence to Policy
- Natural Language Processing for Public Policy
- The Politics of the European Union
- Global Governance
Assessment method
Our assessment methods allow you to showcase what you have learned, and align with what you might do in your future career. Throughout the course, you will craft policy briefs, analyse data, produce reports, and collaborate in a group for the capstone project. All students will participate in a simulation, showcasing skills in problem-solving and navigating the policy process. Depending on the modules studied, assessments may include policy briefs, simulations, exams, data exercises, and essays. The variety of methods is designed to demonstrate a well-rounded evaluation of your knowledge and skills. The course culminates in a 10,000-word dissertation which is conducted and written up as an independent piece of work with support from your appointed supervisor. The dissertation is worth one-third of your final mark.
Entry requirements
2:1 UK undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in any social science. Other degrees are possible, including economics, finance, business, psychology, and all science backgrounds. Relevant experience can be considered in lieu of a degree. English language requirement: prior degree in approved English-speaking country or Band B: 7.0 with no component under 6.5 for IETLS, 102 with no component under 25 for TOEFL. Degrees must have been fully taken in an approved English-speaking country to meet language requirement and awarded in the two years before the start of the programme.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £14000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £14000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £14000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £14000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £14000 | Year 1 |
| EU | £27500 | Year 1 |
| International | £27500 | Year 1 |
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
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE