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MSc Public Policy

UK

26

4

What will I learn?

Overview

What is public policy? Who is it shaped by? Which institutions are involved? What impact does it have on an economic, social and cultural environment that is increasingly globalised? This programme engages with contemporary policy concerns and the increasing complexity of the policy environment. It explores the contested dynamics of policymaking and policy implementation and provides students with the skills to understand, critically evaluate and develop policy alternatives in a local, national and international context. The programme seeks to prepare the next generation of policymakers to address a range of policy issues and understand the role and impact of different stakeholders, including business and the voluntary sector as well as international and regional organisations. It is intended for those who aspire to pursue professional career options, including policy planning, policy consultancy and policy officer positions for local and national government, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations. As well as considering general policy concerns, the programme gives you an opportunity to choose from a range of substantive policy issues, which might include the international analysis of poverty and social exclusion; public management and organisations; migration, asylum and human rights; the economics of public policy; or corruption and public policy. Every unit considers policy in an international and comparative context. Students on this programme will benefit from being taught by academics who are leaders in their areas of research. The University of Bristol has been ranked 14th in the world for Social Policy and Administration according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. To find out more, take a look at these videos exploring scholarships, international studies and the student perspective.

Which department am I in?

University of Bristol

Study options

Full Time (1 year)

Tuition fees
£31,800.00 (US$ 41,067) per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a 8% increase in fees each year.

This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Application deadline

23 July 2025

Start date

22 September 2025

Venue

University of Bristol

Beacon House,

Queen’s Road,

Bristol,

BS8 1QU, England

Entry requirements

For international students

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in a Social Science discipline: Sociology, Social Policy, Social Welfare, Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Social Administration, Demography/Population Studies, Accounting & Finance, Economics, Political Science, History, Philosophy, Law. IELTS Academic (at a test centre or online): 6.5 overall with no score below 6.0. TOEFL iBT and TOEFL at Home: 85 overall with R20, L20, S21, W20

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is a prestigious and globally renowned research university, with an international community of students, staff and alumni.

  • Ranked 10th amongst UK universities (QS, 2022)
  • Ranked 62nd best university in the world (QS, 2022)
  • Top 5 in the UK for research (THE analysis of REF, 2021)
  • 27,000 students from over 150 countries

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