MSc Public Policy

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in their first degree in a relevant subject area. While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criteria, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.

Course content

You will explore a range of disciplines, including political science, sociology, economics, law, public management, criminology, development and conflict and security studies. Topics include the ‘public’ aspect of the policy process (focusing on public ownership, funding and regulation) and the policy cycle approach (development, formulation, implementation and analysis/evaluation).

We will introduce you to a range of key concepts such as the theory of markets, failures, externalities and public goods. To support you in this, you will learn qualitative and quantitative research methods providing you with the tools necessary to understand processes, to analyse important policy issues and assess policy outcomes.

The dissertation provides an opportunity to develop your academic skills and complete extended research in your chosen policy area. You’ll also choose from an array of optional modules from across the social sciences enabling you to tailor your programme according to your academic and career interests.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year:

£12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time

International fees per year:

£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship

We are pleased to offer University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone taught Masters degree (eg MA, MSc, MRes, MFA, LLM, PGCert, PGDip) or research degree (eg MPhil, PhD) with us a scholarship towards the cost of their tuition fees. These scholarships are worth 20% of the first year tuition fee for students enrolling on a postgraduate taught or research programme of study in 2025/26. Full details can be found here.

^{*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.}

Teaching and research

Teaching is research-led, ensuring that what you learn will be cutting edge and at the heart of contemporary public policy methods and debate. Teaching methods typically include:

• Academic seminars
• Presentations, simulations and class discussions
• Small group work
• Guided reading and teacher supported analysis and reflection
• Digitally enhanced learning support including electronic resources and interactive learning tools

Teaching applies learning to real-world challenges and operating in a complex problem space. You will have the opportunity to practice how your learning is engaged within wider social, economic, and policy debates. Its strengths include Politics expertise in both environmental policy and behavioural public policy and administration research, and citizens, the state and technology.

Assessments

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Careers

Employer valued skills

• Solid knowledge and understanding of public policy at national and international levels, and 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

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Related courses

View all Politics and International Relations courses