Public Policy (MA) (2021 Entry)
- Course Code
- Full-time: P-M9PF
- Part-time: P-M9PFP
- Course Type
- Postgraduate Taught
- Qualification
- MA
- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
- Department of Study
- Politics and International Studies
- Location of Study
- University of Warwick
Warwick's Public Policy MA combines understanding normative theory with the practice of policy analysis and world leading work on transnational policymaking. Warwick's Politics and International Studies (PAIS) Department is one of the largest and most highly regarded of our kind in the UK.
Why do bad ideas become policy and good ideas languish for years? Does democracy get in the way of policy, or is the policy profession itself anti-democratic? Governments are facing more complex demands every day. If we want to make a difference in the world, we need to understand the limits and possibilities of policy making in modern democracies. This programme combines an understanding of descriptive and normative theory with the practice of policy analysis and our world-leading work on transnational policy making. You will identify and analyse the main traditions of policy studies, the core concepts of policy analysis, and theories of policy change.
Core Modules
- Theories and Traditions in Public Policy (40 CATS)
Optional Modules
You may select up to 40 CATS (normally 2 modules) from a list of specialist modules for this course, and a further 40-80 CATS from our extensive range of optional modules for a total of 120 CATS of taught modules.
Previously, options have included:
- The EU as an International Actor: Engaging with the Neighbourhood
- East Asian Development Policies
- The Politics of International Trade: National, Regional and Global Perspectives
The optional module lists are updated regularly.
Teaching
Modules are taught via one 2-hour seminar per week. Seminars give you the opportunity to interact with leading scholars as well as with your peers to explore a set topic each week. Every seminar will be based on extensive guided reading you will do each week, but there is no strict pattern to how sessions are run. This may include mini-lectures followed by discussion, Q&A sessions, organised debates, peer presentations, policy briefs, small group work, case studies, simulations and other projects.
Contact Hours
6 hours of seminars per week for 9 weeks in Terms 1 and 2 plus advice and feedback hours when requested and Dissertation supervision in Terms 2 and 3.
Class Sizes
Normally a maximum of 18 per seminar group in PAIS delivered modules.
Assessment
Research essays and potentially other written assignments throughout the year, culminating in a 10,000 word dissertation at the end.
Minimum requirements 2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject
English language requirements Band B
IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above
International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.
Department advice
Department specific advice on applying to ensure your application has the best chance for success.
Fees and Funding
For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.
For up-to-date information for department fees and funding opportunities please visit the Department Fees and Funding webpage.
Additional Course Costs
There may be additional costs associated with studying this programme, such as field trips, specially organised events, materials bench fees or studio hire. You should consider these costs when deciding whether or not to accept this offer.
Graduates from these courses have gone on to work for employers including: Deloitte; Japan Ministry of Defense; Nationwide Building Society; The Cabinet Office; University of Kent; Transport for London and West Midlands Police. They have pursued roles such as: business and financial project management professionals; economists; finance officers; management consultants; business analysts and public services associate professionals.
Our Department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Your future awaits - the many things you can do after your degree in the PAIS Department
- Careers in Government and Politics
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- After your PAIS Master’s – What Next?
- Assessment Centres and Interviews: an overview of what to expect for PAIS students
There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. Some departments also host their own events and open days, where you can learn more about your department or course of study. To find out more about all of these opportunities, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.
Our Double Degree programmes allow you to study a Warwick MA programme for one year as well as a Masters programme at a partner university.