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Politics and Public Policy MSc

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Suspicion, scandal, and the inevitable rise of political fatigue — in the contested ‘post-truth’ landscape of populist politics and partisan media, the public’s faith in democracy is being sorely tested. You could be a key force in re-establishing that trust, by delivering effective, informed, and inclusive public policies.

Our course is focused on public engagement: what works, why it matters, and how the key models and methods might be reimagined. It’s about reaching people — especially young people — to ensure they’re represented in the decisions that impact their own lives. You’ll explore the trends and theories of the field, and the evolving social patterns of political participation. You’ll consider the barriers to entry in the policymaking space, and propose solutions. Blending theoretical insights with applied, hands-on experience, you’ll work with local civic and community groups to grow your practical, teamworking, and communication skills — all vital qualities for any aspiring advocate or policymaker.

Be the kind of change you want to see. Our course is home to a global community of change-makers, upskillers, and the politically curious. At home and abroad, our graduates are applying their talents in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, as everything from journalists and analysts to lobbyists and policymakers. Your own journey starts here, with us.

What you’ll study

Our course begins with two simple questions: ‘why are you here?’, and ‘what really matters to you?’

From thereon in, your answers to those questions will be the reference points for your own learning. We encourage specialisation, and as you progress through the course, you’ll have the chance to customise your studies in line with your own needs, interests, and ambitions — from the optional module you select (see below), to the scope and focus of your final project.

We’ve built the course with six key ambitions in mind — to specialise and localise, to collaborate and negotiate, and to get involved and problem solve. Those principles will inform every aspect of your learning, as you interrogate the key political and policymaking processes. Focused on public engagement and facing down the modern epidemic of ‘anti-politics’, you’ll be exploring some fundamentally human questions. How and why have society’s democratic values changed? Do citizens want to be part of the policymaking process, or would they rather trust in their elected representatives? Where that trust is absent, how can we revitalise it? How do we best navigate the complex, often contested space between the development of a policy and its implementation, ensuring that every key voice is heard? And how do we think globally but act locally, in the name of meaningful change?

Along the way — guided by our acclaimed team of academics, researchers, and former political and policymaking practitioners — you’ll be hearing from prestigious guest speakers, and you’ll be working directly with local community groups. It’s a naturally collaborative and interdisciplinary field, reliant on a wide range of experts. What you’re studying and how you’re learning reflects this.

Finally, you’ll complete a 60-credit research project. You can choose between a focused dissertation, an independent period of work-based experience, or a collaborative initiative through our unique ‘Policy Lab’, where 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.

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.

Citizens, Values and Political Participation (30 credits)

This module seeks to enable students to understand the relationships between citizens, the democratic process and political institutions in contemporary Britain. It is concerned with examining changing patterns of political participation and political action, changes in citizens’ democratic values, and how these trends are affecting democratic politics and public support for democracy.

Researching Political Issues (30 credits)

The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the methods, techniques, and processes that are involved in the research of Politics and International Relations. The first section of the module will develop your awareness of exactly what advanced social research entails. The second section of the module will seek to deepen and enhance the knowledge gained in section one, with a series of guest speakers offering you insights into their own experiences of researching Politics and International Relations.

Dissertation or Work-based Experience (60 credits)

The final core component of this course offers students the opportunity to produce a 12,000-word dissertation, which is the summation of the MA coursework and is a major opportunity to do work which is at once creative, stretches students’ imagination, and which meets rigorous standards for quality work in the chosen research area. Moreover, the skills gained when working on the project will be of crucial importance when students consider their careers and their development.

The other option involves a period of work-based learning, spending time engaging with a chosen institution or community-based organisation, either in the local Nottinghamshire community or further afield. Here, in contrast to the development of a research proposal geared for the completion of a standard 12,000 word dissertation, your assessment will comprise a research plan of how you intend to draw on your experiences, which ultimately will culminate in a written work-based project of a maximum of 10,000 words.

You will also choose one of the following optional modules (30 credits each):

  • Law and Policy for Social Work
  • Education Policy and Practice
  • 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.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Hope Thomas

This course provides a unique opportunity to understand how and why the world works the way it does. During such an unprecedented time, politics and public policy has never been so important.

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
  • Education 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

  • 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 degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes.

Staff Profiles

Oliver Harrison - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Dr Oliver Harrison is a Senior Lecturer in Political Theory in the Department of Social and Political Sciences, Nottingham Trent University.

Careers and employability

As MSc Politics and 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

As a Social Sciences student you will have easy access to the fantastic facilities in the Chaucer and Taylor buildings including:

  • Lecture theatres and teaching classrooms;
  • Open access PCs and secure wireless points;
  • Study areas and social spaces;
  • Chaucer cafe serves drinks and light snacks;
  • Our School of Social Sciences reception provides you with easy access to our helpful and friendly support staff.

IT resources

Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across our City Campus, with PCs providing access to Microsoft Office, email, web browsing, networked file storage and high-speed online printing services, with a free printing allowance for each student.

Resource rooms are available 24 hours a day.

Books and library resources

Our state-of-the-art Boots library will give you access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within the built environment. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our electronic resources, journals and books.

Within the library, there is a liaison librarian who has the specialist subject knowledge and can offer detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources, and also with areas such as Harvard referencing and research skills.

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 any more help or information, please email our Admissions team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.

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.

Fees and funding

Fees for September 2024

Study routeHome (UK students)
Full-time£8,600
Part-time£4,300 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 2024

Study routeInternational/ EU students
Full-time£17,500
Part-time£8,750 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.

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. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

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 email applications@ntu.uk.

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.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.