Course description

Study the MA in Political Science Governance and Public Policy and explore some of the key political science and public policy issues of the 21st century, including:

• examination of the nature and problems of policy making in the contemporary world;
• how in a globalised world public decision making can be constructed in a way that delivers legitimacy and effective capacity to act;
• the impact of governance arrangements on policy outcomes and the relationship between the state and citizens.

This course unpacks core concepts to do with citizenship, participation, and the formation and implementation of public and social policies.

It draws on a variety of contemporary materials and will appeal to those interested in governance and policy making at any level: neighbourhood, local, national, European and global. It provides a base either for those intending to take a PhD in the area, or those seeking employment who require advanced research skills in the public, private or voluntary sector.

You take five compulsory training courses and two compulsory core courses, which are: Understanding Governance and Governance and the Welfare State.

Further options include a choice of at least one course unit in public policy with further related options available from all of our other MA courses.

Teaching and learning

Part-time students complete the full-time course over two years. There are no evening or weekend course units available on the part-time route.

You must first check the schedule of the compulsory units and then select your optional units to suit your requirements.

Updated timetable information will be available from mid-August and you will have the opportunity to discuss your unit choices during induction week with your course director.

Career opportunities

A number of our recent graduates have gone onto undertake further doctoral research.

Others have gone into careers that require advanced research skills in fields such as academia, the civil service, and wide range of positions in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.