Public Policy MSc
About this course
In a climate of shrinking budgets, shifting priorities, and growing division, what makes a policy successful? How do we ensure that every voice is heard — and that our public policies are relevant, inclusive, and impactful?
This course has been designed for a new generation of policymakers, analysts, and advocates. Guided by practitioners from the diverse worlds of government, grant-writing, project-management, youth outreach, gender politics, and international security, you’ll examine the concepts, trends and methodologies of public policy. Participating in group simulations, you’ll explore the roles of different stakeholders. And ultimately, you’ll apply your skills and knowledge in the wild, working with your peers to solve a real-world problem.
Policymaking is a science, and an art — a combination of good data and great storytelling. Our course reflects that duality, bringing together theoretical rigour, critical reflection, and a strong focus on experiential learning. You’ll develop academically, but also as an all-round communicator; someone who can engage stakeholders, build and manage key relationships, and navigate the policymaking process with resilience, confidence, and creativity. That’s how our global community of graduates progress into fields as varied as journalism, lobbying, policy planning, and consultancy — right here in Nottingham, across the UK, and all around the world.
What you’ll study
Specialise and localise; collaborate and negotiate; get involved and problem solve. These are the six pillars of our course, informing every aspect of what you’ll be studying and how you’ll be learning. We advocate a practical, personalised approach that connects you with the real — and not just theoretical — world of public policy. Our small-group sessions are intimate and friendly, but also incredibly diverse; we welcome students from all around the world, encouraging new friendships and lasting networks.
We’ve designed this course with change-makers, early-career professionals, and the politically curious in mind; people who are looking for applied, Masters-level study with a clear emphasis on real-world learning, as a gateway to an executive career in policymaking. It’s a broad professional field, and our goal is to provide you with the knowledge, tailored employability support, and wider transferable skills to excel in a range of roles.
Variously, you’ll be exploring the sociocultural, economic, and political contexts of policymaking and its processes; the fundamentals of research, analysis, and writing; and the art of negotiation and stakeholder engagement. You’ll consider how we can act locally and think globally to help tackle crises in international security, the climate, and the cost of living. You’ll explore local, social, and foreign policy; you’ll partner with civic services and hear from prestigious guest speakers. We encourage specialisation, and you’ll consolidate the core modules with your own choice of elective. Public policy is a multidisciplinary field, and these optional modules draw from expertise across NTU’s School of Social Sciences.
The course culminates in a 60-credit research project. You’ll be working with your peers in a small team to help resolve the real-world policy dilemma of a public, private, non-profit, civic, or academic organisation. Cultivated through our Policy Lab — one of this course’s unique features — we’ll work hard to ensure the project reflects your own interests and ambitions. The scope is huge: your project could be focused on the East Midlands or East Africa, dealing with an issue that’s distinct and specialised, or one that cuts across multiple areas. What these projects all share, however, is the natural ability to consolidate your theoretical and research skills, and to refine your so-called ‘soft’ skills — both vital ingredients for any aspiring policy professional.
Core modules
Theory and Trends in Public Policy (30 credits)
This module is designed to help students obtain foundational knowledge – both theoretical and practical - in the study of Public Policy. Students will critically engage with the theories, concepts, and heuristics of public policy and the policy process. Students will also gain knowledge of and critically assess current issues and trends in public policy and the field.
The module strategically combines traditional and existing approaches to policy studies with creative and online learning tools.
Policy in Focus (30 credits)
This module is designed to help students engage with major concepts, empirical issues and trends in three specific policy areas: local and regional policy, social policy, and foreign policy. It is co-taught, incorporating online learning and bringing together policy expertise from different units across the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences.
Issues and Methods in Social Research
The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and methods of social research. You will interrogate key methodological debates regarding the production of knowledge and develop an understanding of a range of research designs and methods. You will also develop a range of skills, enabling you to apply your knowledge to the conduct of research. The module will therefore prepare you for carrying out research for your Dissertation, Work-based Dissertation and Policy Lab modules.
SPS (Social and Political Sciences) Dissertation
The content of this module is different from others due to the nature of the exercise it entails. In many ways the dissertation is the culmination of your knowledge, skills and abilities gained throughout the academic year. Whilst ultimately it will entail a sustained independent engagement with a topic of your choice, regular supervision will be provided to help your research during the planning, preparation, and writing-up process.
The module is supported by a number of workshops which will allow you to develop your ability to design, carry out and present research of a high standard. The workshops will also help you to think about specific research projects and receive formative feedback on your work. Dissertation topics should fall within the overall remit of the courses. The course teams will assist you in negotiating an appropriate topic. The dissertation should demonstrate research skills in a particular context, identifying a problem which is of interest in your discipline, and analysing that problem.
You will also choose one of the following optional modules (30 credits each):
- Law and Policy for Social Work
- Service Learning
- International Politics of Health
- Environmental Citizenship
- Negotiating in International Contexts
- Gender and Security
- Global Governance and International Institutions
- Policy Lab Research Project
Policy Lab Research Project
Undertake practical research experience and meaningful engagement with external (or internal) partners on a real policy issue within the local East Midlands region or, alternatively, at national or international levels.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Q&A - Politics, International Relations, Security and Public Policy Masters courses
How you're taught
A wide-range of traditional and experiential teaching methods are employed in the course. These may include discussion-based seminars, online teaching and learning sessions, interactive workshops, traditional lectures, presentations and collaborative project-based work. These sessions are designed to engage students through problem-solving, sharing ideas, giving and receiving feedback and teaching each other.
The course also benefits from activities and research seminars taking place within the Department of Politics and International Relations and across the School of Social Sciences. You will have the option to partake in various events focusing on politics and policy. Activities range from negotiation simulations, and guest lectures by politicians and practitioners, to problem-solving activities.
Assessment methods
Assessment of the course involves coursework, conducting your own research piece, individual and group class presentations and a reflective assessment. To encourage and facilitate independent learning the course will take full advantage of NTU's online workspace (NOW).
Moreover, the assessment methods enable students to develop and strengthen transferable skills, thus supporting their employability profile. The Politics and International Relations Employability Coordinator, together with NTU’s employability team, will assist in developing a professional portfolio that can be used when applying for internships, professional employment or further study.
An active research environment
Teaching on the course is drawn directly from regionally aligned research strengths in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, the Indian sub-continent, and Europe. This research feeds directly into the course allowing you to learn about the latest issues in this field from world-renowned experts.
Taught by experts
Your teachers and mentors specialise in:
- Social policy
- Foreign policy
- Media policy
- Health policy
- Economic policy
- Security policy
- Citizen engagement
- Local and regional development
- Global governance
- Negotiation and diplomacy
- Politicisation and Expertise
Our focus
- Applied and collaborative approach
- Outward-facing local engagement
- Citizens in the policy process
- Employability and career support
You will benefit from
- Policy Labs
- Nottingham Civic Exchange (Internal Think Tank)
- Local civic network
- Employability and career development support
- Specialisation drawing from expertise across the Social Sciences and Nottingham Business School
- Both online and face-to-face teaching and learning methods
What opportunities await you?
You will have the opportunity to:
- Specialise
- Localise
- Collaborate
- Negotiate
- Get involved
- Problem solve
In-sessional English language support
In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes
Contact hours
You will have around 8-10 hours per week of contact time (lectures, seminars and workshops). Approximately 90% of this teaching is in person. Overall, contact time makes up around 30% of a full-time week, while the remaining 70% of your time will be devoted to independent study.
Careers and employability
As MSc Public Policy graduates, you will have the opportunity to reflect on the subject and transferable skills learnt while preparing coursework. These include expertise in writing complex, yet concise, analytical pieces, developing and implementing projects, interpersonal communication, diplomatic and negotiation skills, problem-solving, and the ability to present in-depth ideas with confidence. You will be offered encouragement and assistance in articulating those skills in relation to occupations that may be of interest to you.
Graduates from this course are ready to undertake a wide range of careers and professions. Previous graduates from within the Department of Politics and International Relations have gone on to work in relevant government departments as well as joined international aid and development agencies.
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Chaucer and Newton buildings, at the centre of our vibrant City Campus. As well as a range of classrooms and lecture theatres, the facilities including a mock prison cell, banks of open-access PCs, social spaces for either quiet study or busy group work.
NTU’s City Campus has everything you’ll need to stay busy between lectures. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our stylish Students’ Union building and two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets for every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; performance and rehearsal spaces for musicians; and much, much more!
Take a few steps off campus and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure. Enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
Applying with prior qualifications
- You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (normally 2.2 or above).
If you hold a first degree but it doesn't meet the entry requirements above, please refer to the information below.
Applying with non-standard entry qualifications/experience
- Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. You will be required to demonstrate how your experiences and knowledge would enable you to study this course at Masters-level in your Personal Statement.
No references are required when applying for this course.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (normally a 2.2 or above).
If you hold a first degree but it doesn't meet the entry requirements above, please refer to the information below.
- Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. You will be required to demonstrate how your experiences and knowledge would enable you to study this course at Masters-level in your Personal Statement.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Fees for September 2025
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £8,750 |
| Part-time | £4,375 for Year One |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies and from the University.
There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which are paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies, We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduate fees and funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Alumni Discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Fees for September 2025
| Study route | International/ EU students |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £17,850 |
| Part-time | £8,925 for Year One |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office
How to apply
All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.
Please contact the Course Leader for further information and keep checking the course page for more updates.
Open days
The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or support, you can call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)115 848 4200, or contact us at Ask NTU.
Good luck with your application!
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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