Overview

The Public Policy course at the University of Essex gives you the knowledge to examine the policy processes, institutions and evidence that shape public decision-making - from governance systems and regulatory frameworks to inequality, public management and global policy challenges. Through policy analysis, real-world case studies and applied research methods, you’ll develop the advanced analytical, evaluative and practical skills needed to design, assess and improve public policy in complex, data-rich environments.

Your future

You’ll study how public policy is made, why it works, and how it can be improved. You’ll explore the systems, evidence and decisions that shape people’s lives - from public services and regulation to global challenges like health, education and the environment.

Through case studies, policy analysis and applied research, you’ll build strong skills in evaluating evidence, understanding data and assessing the impact of policy choices. You’ll learn in a department with real experience advising governments and organisations, giving you clear insight into how decisions are made in practice.

You’ll use these skills to study real policy problems and test what works in the world. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to analyse policy, explain your findings clearly and make informed recommendations - skills that support many professional paths or further postgraduate study.

Get more details

Visit programme website

Programme Structure

Course include:

The Politics of Public Policy

Research Design

From Cradle to Grave: Social Justice in Childhood, Adulthood, and Death

Comparative Environmental Politics

International Environmental Politics

Conflict Resolution

Check out the full curriculum

Visit programme website

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-08 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-01-18 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

More details

Deadlines: to be confirmed

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Colchester, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Public Policy View 213 other Masters in Public Policy in United Kingdom

Explore more key information

Visit programme website

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

Lower Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A 2:2 degree in any subject.

You may also be considered with a lower class degree, where you have at least five year’s relevant work experience (please provide your CV).

Make sure you meet all requirements

Visit programme website

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

23875 GBP / year

≈ 23875 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

11025 GBP / year

≈ 11025 GBP / year

Living costs

Colchester

United Kingdom

660 - 1140 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.

Check for any work restrictions

Visit programme website

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

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

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

Your future

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Colchester

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners