Public Policy MSc

Program Overview

The MSc Public Policy program from the University of Exeter equips students with a comprehensive understanding of public policy, its consequences, and effective evaluation methods. It offers opportunities for specialization in policy topics, features real-world teaching with input from practitioners, and prepares graduates for careers in government, think tanks, NGOs, and the private sector.

Program Outline

MSc Public Policy - University of Exeter

Degree Overview:

• Objectives: The MSc Public Policy program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of public policy, its benefits, cost assessment, ethical considerations, and the policy-making process.
Students will learn about the consequences of policy decisions and effective evaluation methods.
• Program Description: The program offers opportunities for specialization in policy topics aligned with students' academic or career interests.
It features real-world teaching with input from public policy practitioners and practical assessments like policy briefings and policy plan development. Students will gain proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, enabling them to analyze policy issues and assess outcomes. The program prepares graduates for diverse national and international careers in government, think tanks, NGOs, and the private sector.

Outline:

• Content: The program covers a range of disciplines, including political science, sociology, economics, law, public management, criminology, development, conflict, and security studies.
It focuses on the "public" aspect of the policy process, including public ownership, funding, and regulation. The program also adopts a policy cycle approach, encompassing development, formulation, implementation, and analysis/evaluation.
• Structure: The program includes a range of key concepts such as market theory, failures, externalities, and public goods.
Students will learn qualitative and quantitative research methods to understand processes, analyze policy issues, and assess policy outcomes. The dissertation provides an opportunity for extended research in a chosen policy area.
• Modules:
• Core Modules:
The program includes core modules that provide a foundational understanding of public policy. These modules may vary depending on staff availability, research interests, and student demand.
• Optional Modules: Students can choose from a variety of optional modules across the social sciences, allowing them to tailor their program to their academic and career interests.
• Course Schedule: The program is offered as a 1-year full-time or 2-year part-time program.

Assessment:

• Methods: Assessments extend beyond traditional essays and include the creation of policy briefings, preparation and delivery of policy plans, and reflective learning logs.
Students have opportunities to utilize qualitative and quantitative data in reflective blogs. The dissertation allows for focused research on specific interests from research or employment-oriented perspectives.

Teaching:

• Methods: Teaching methods include academic seminars, presentations, simulations, class discussions, small group work, guided reading, teacher-supported analysis and reflection, and digitally enhanced learning support.
• Faculty: The program benefits from the expertise of world-leading scholars, including Professor Oliver James, Programme Director, and Professor Duncan Russel, Professor in Environmental Policy.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes research-led teaching, ensuring that students learn cutting-edge methods and engage in contemporary public policy debates.
Teaching applies learning to real-world challenges and operates within a complex problem space.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the MSc Public Policy program are well-prepared for a range of careers in the public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally.
These include:
• Civil servants in central or local government
• Professionals in think tanks, NGOs, and consultancies
• Policy officers and researchers for Members of Parliament, Members of the European Parliament, and the European Commission
• Roles in other public and private sector organizations across various sectors
• Opportunities: The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in policy-related fields.
• Outcomes: Graduates are equipped with a strong understanding of public policy, research methods, and communication skills, making them highly employable in a competitive job market.

Other:

• Research: The program benefits from the research conducted by world-leading scholars at the University of Exeter.
Students can participate in seminar series and the annual postgraduate conference, which brings together researchers from across humanities and social sciences disciplines.
• Research-Informed Teaching: Students benefit from the latest research conducted by world-leading scholars through research-led teaching.
• Employer Valued Skills: The program develops skills highly valued by employers, including:
• Understanding of how social, political, and economic contexts affect public policies
• Argument development and debate
• Empirical research and analysis
• Ability to examine data and theories using a multi-disciplinary social science approach grounded in public policy
• Effective communication and presentation
• Time management and working to deadlines

2024/25 entry UK fees per year: £12,000 full-time; £6,000 part-time International fees per year: £24,300 full-time; £12,150 part-time