Overview

What are the factors that shape the policy decisions taken by governments at supranational, national and local levels? How do these decisions interact and impact on society and on the economy?

Answering such questions effectively requires an interdisciplinary understanding of the field of public policy, drawing insights especially from social, policy, politics, sociology and economics.

With a particular focus on the social and economic policy fields that are at the heart of modern welfare states, the MSc Public Policy offers an advanced understanding of the political, social and economic context of policy-making and government activity in modern societies.

The degree, based in the School of Social and Political Science, draws on the School's multi-disciplinary expertise across different fields of public policy, with a focus that ranges from the local to the global.

Career opportunities

The MSc in Policy Studies at The University of Edinburgh opens up a wide variety of career opportunities and scope for further study.

Recent graduates of our policy programmes have gone on to employment within government at European, national and sub-national local levels, as parliamentary assistants/researchers, in the health and education administrations, with a range of think tanks and policy consultancies and in the charity/voluntary sector.

Others have progressed to doctoral study at the University of Edinburgh and other world-leading research Universities in a number of countries.

Programme Structure

The programme will be delivered through lectures, seminars, group work and guided independent study.

You will complete three taught courses per semester, one of which is compulsory, the other two optional.

Compulsory courses

Political Issues in Public Policy (Semester 1)

Policy in Action (Semester 2)

Dissertation

After successfully completing the taught modules you will work towards an independently researched dissertation.

You can undertake a standard dissertation or potentially a placement-based dissertation, which can be undertaken in the UK or abroad.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-04 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Public Policy Political Science View 325 other Masters in Political Science in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

32000 GBP / year

≈ 32000 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

18000 GBP / year

≈ 18000 GBP / year

Living costs

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

725 - 1167 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Policy Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Career opportunities

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Edinburgh

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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