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Public Policy MSc

2 years part-time distance learning, starting in September 2025

Rethink public policy. Explore creative approaches to contemporary public policy strategy, design, and delivery in a global context.

This specialist master's course is specifically designed for working professionals. It combines online and intensive residential teaching.

By exploring how public policy is made, what shapes it, and how public policy professionals can make a difference, you’ll prepare for a range of policy-related roles in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Learn about contemporary public policy from real-world researchers

You’ll learn from academics with real-world experience in the formulation of public policy, as well as staff from the wider Department of Social & Policy Sciences community. Their teaching will be influenced by contemporary UK and worldwide case studies and research to give you an up-to-date global perspective.

On the course, you will:

  • investigate the political, economic and social dynamics that affect contemporary public policy
  • examine how data and evidence in the digital environment are re-shaping how public policy is analysed, made and practised
  • learn how to combine theory and practice to advance creative approaches for policy design and delivery
  • develop your own policy specialism with the option to undertake work-related projects as part of your studies

Watch our webinar about this course

Learn within a global network

Throughout the course, you’ll be immersed in a global network of policy-making researchers. This will give you opportunities to learn from a range of academics actively working in the field. This includes staff from:

Many members of these communities have international expertise in their areas, and links to senior international public policy makers and experienced policy analysts.

The distance learning format of this course puts you among a diverse and global group of peers. You’ll be able to draw on your own experiences and learn from your classmates through online group sessions and discussions. During the in-person residentials at our Bath campus, you'll also have opportunities to expand your network across current cohorts, as well as doctoral level students and staff.

Gain important career skills

You will leave the course with:

  • an advanced understanding of the concepts and tools used in public policymaking today, as well as their application and limitations both in the UK and internationally
  • in-depth critical understanding of the political, economic and social dynamics that shape public policy development and outcomes in specialist field(s) of public policy
  • a deeper knowledge of the contexts and constraints within which public policy is made on a global level
  • the confidence to creatively apply different policymaking tools, identifying new ways to achieve public policy goals

The specialist teaching you will receive and advanced skills you will acquire could put you in a strong position for moving forward in any policy-facing or policy-shaping role, whether in analysis, strategy or delivery.

Graduate prospects

This course typically helps people in the roles below to advance their careers:

  • national civil servant in a policy position
  • government affairs official
  • think tank researcher
  • parliamentary advisor
  • policy advisor
  • policy advocate in a large NGO or advocacy organisation

Some recent graduates of this course have gone on to secure the following roles:

  • Co-founder & Manager, GovTech Lab (Lithuania)
  • EU Regulation Expert, PSE: Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne S.A. (Poland)
  • Housing Strategy (Policy) Officer, Cardiff City Council
  • Policy Lead, Ofsted
  • Project Consultant, Inter-American Development Bank (Peru)
  • Widening Access and Inclusion Manager, HEFCW

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll also be equipped with the relevant skillset for doctoral-level studies or advanced international policymaking.

2025/26 Academic Year


Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2027.


Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

The course combines four compulsory residential events with in-depth and structured online learning facilitated by academic staff who are experts in their subject areas. View budgeting information

Residential events

We plan to host all in-person residential events on our University of Bath campus. However, provisions are in place for this to take place online if necessary. University accommodation can be booked for some in-person sessions.

Year 1: Residential 1

In-person attendance at the September 2025 residential week is compulsory.

  • Dates: TBC
  • Location: University of Bath campus

Year 1: Residential 2

Online attendance at the 3-day May 2026 residential is compulsory. Exact dates to be confirmed.

Year 2: Residential 3

In-person attendance at the 6-day September 2026 residential week is compulsory.

  • Dates: TBC
  • Location: University of Bath campus

Year 2: Residential 4

Online attendance at the 3-day January 2027 residential is compulsory. Exact dates to be confirmed.

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Public policy: politics, theory and practice

    20 credits

Semester 2

Compulsory units

  • Knowledge and data in public policy

    20 credits

  • Public policy and economics

    10 credits

  • Public policy: politics, theory and practice

    Continued

Year 2

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Knowledge and data in public policy

    Continued

  • Public policy case analysis

    10 credits

Semester 2

You’ll start your dissertation or public policy portfolio.

Compulsory units

  • Public policy case analysis

    Continued

Optional units

  • Public policy dissertation

    30 credits

  • Public policy portfolio

    30 credits

Summer

Optional units

  • Public policy dissertation

    Continued

  • Public policy portfolio

    Continued

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.


Learning

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Oral presentation
  • Report

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

You are expected to spend, on average, around 10 hours per week studying. This will be made up of structured and interactive online content, with support from Bath academics throughout.

During the Residential Weeks, you will experience face-to-face teaching to complement your online study.

Assessment breakdown

You’ll experience a balance of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will include coursework, essays, reports, presentations, and a dissertation/final project.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Read our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Recognition of professional qualifications


As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘[The course] has really widened my understanding of the political context and the different areas that policy plays a role.’
Fiona Larner MSc Public Policy (Graduating year, 2025)

Entry requirements


Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as politics, political economy, human or political geography, sociology, economics, international relations, security or area studies.

We will also consider graduates with an undergraduate degree in other subjects where you have relevant professional experience in any area of public policy.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English Language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Public Policy MSc part-time distance learning


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Extra costs

Each year of the course contains a compulsory in-person residential event held on our Bath campus (two in total).

You will need to budget travel, accommodation and some meals for these residentials. For the September residentials in Bath, University accommodation can be booked.

You must have access to IT equipment to enable your participation on the course through distance learning.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information


  • Course title
    Public Policy
  • Final award
    MSc
  • Mode of study
    Distance learning, part-time
  • Course code
    TDUSP-PB01
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 July 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    30 June 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator

Course enquiries