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Public Policy at University of Glasgow - 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 Masters in Public Policy aims to develop future public policy makers who understand the contexts and challenges facing governments and public agencies, and the processes and politics of policy formation and delivery. Public policy shapes the way societies function, from economic development and social justice, to sustainability and urban planning. WHY THIS PROGRAMME

  • This programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to make an effective contribution to the formation and evaluation of policy. You will become an independent critical thinker able to work in a wide range of organisational contexts and roles.
  • A key strength of the MSc are our three pathways, which will help you develop specialist knowledge and skills, and deepen your understanding and confidence within the field of public policy. Choose from General Pathway, Sustainability Pathway, and Data Analytics Pathway.
  • Develop the knowledge and skills needed to make a real and positive difference to the formation and evaluation of public sector policy.
  • Our teaching is both research-informed and research-led. With our research-based analysis in the classroom, you will become skilled in research and prepared to take a social science perspective on society.
  • Benefit from world class expertise in public policy, sustainability, and data analytics.
  • By the end of the programme, you will have acquired skills as independent critical thinkers, enabling you to work in a wide range of organisational contexts and roles.
  • Join a diverse student cohort and meet people from all around the world, allowing you to build an international network to take into your career and life after university.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE You will take a mix of core and optional courses, taught across two semesters, followed by an independent dissertation. The dissertation provides an opportunity for you to research a topic of specific interest to you, and allows you to conduct in depth critical exploration of this topic. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor who will guide and support them through the process of undertaking a dissertation. General Pathway The General Pathway enables you to develop a systematic and wide-ranging overview of public policy in a global context of socio-economic inequality, significant migration, health challenges, political transitions, the climate crisis, and technological change. Core courses Evidence, Evaluation and Policy Researching Public Policy Understanding Public Policy See course provider's website for optional course details. Sustainability Pathway The Sustainability Pathway focuses on the broad range of policies, politics, and institutions which shape sustainable outcomes to achieve environmental social justice. It enables you to develop specialist understandings of sustainability regarding policy making, and equips the next generation of public managers, policymakers, and public administrators with the knowledge, skills, and values required for realising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributing to a more sustainable future. Core courses Evidence, Evaluation and Policy Researching Public Policy Understanding Public Policy Sustainable Urban Futures (10) See course provider's website for optional course details. Data Analytics Pathway The Data Analytics Pathway enables you to develop expertise in data-driven policymaking and the responsible use of data. It provides you with the critical skills needed to combine policy studies with data analytics and, upon graduation, you will have the ability to critique and analyse complex data to inform policy decisions and processes and use GenAI technologies in an ethical and responsible manner Core courses Data & AI in Policy & Society Evidence, Evaluation and Policy Researching Public Policy Understanding Public Policy See course provider's website for optional course details.

How to apply

International applicants

International applicant information can be found via gla.ac.uk by searching for 'international'.

Entry requirements

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Politics, Sociology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Economics, Business, Law, Social Science, Humanities. Extensive work experience (e.g. in Government or a policy related field) may be considered along with a lower degree or non-relevant degree background. Applicants will be required to complete and submit a question-based personal statement explaining why they want to undertake this programme at Glasgow.

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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

Sponsorship and funding information can be found via gla.ac.uk by searching for 'scholarships'.

Public Policy at University of Glasgow - UCAS