Politics and Public Policy MSc
About this course
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.
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.
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
- 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.
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 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
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
UK students
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.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 2.2 honours degree or equivalent qualification. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
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.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
