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Durham University: Public Policy
| Institution | Durham University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Government and International Affairs |
| Web | durham.ac.uk |
| Telephone | 0191 334 1000 |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
Course details Today's policymakers face many complex challenges, from the economy and the environment to education, migration, healthcare, and beyond. Our custom-designed MSc in Public Policy critically examines global policy concerns, exploring the reasons why decisions are made and how these decisions impact different areas of society. Covering all aspects of the policy process from agenda setting to evaluation, the curriculum has been developed to equip you with the skills to examine diverse policy issues, make evidence-driven decisions, and evaluate their success or failure. Whether you are looking for a role with an NGO or government, or simply looking to advance your private sector role with a cutting-edge ability to evaluate how policy decisions will shape your industry, this course gives you the skills to advance your career.
Why Durham University? Part of the School of Government and International Affairs, politics and international relations at Durham is centred around the areas of political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and political economy. Our academic staff have a genuine passion for politics and are leading experts in the study of these areas, as they exist across Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, and the wider Muslim world, Africa, and America. We are a research-led School offering high-quality learning in essential quantitative and qualitative research methods alongside in-depth study of key areas of political and international theory. These include Comparative Institutions and Political Behaviour, Environmental Politics, Global Security and Peacebuilding, International Political Economy, and International Relations. The course is multidisciplinary, drawing on politics, economics, social policy, and sociology. It is likely to appeal to those looking to pursue a career in policy planning, political consultancy, and financial services, as well as policy-based roles in local and national government, international development and NGOs.
Career Opportunities Our courses focus on developing self-aware, thoughtful, and ambitious global citizens with the skills and knowledge to secure rewarding and stimulating careers inside and outside of politics. This is underpinned by additional employability support from the University through its careers programme, employment-related events, and by maintaining the alumni network which stretches across the globe. Our postgraduates achieve successful careers in many fields including local and national government, diplomacy, newspaper and broadcast journalism, the charity sector, business and finance, publishing, law, manufacturing, teaching and academia, and the armed forces. Former postgraduate students have taken up roles with leading employers including the House of Commons, Clifford Chance, Accenture, British Airways, Ernst and Young, British Telecom, Goldman Sachs, PwC, the Royal Navy, House of Fraser, Channel 4, HSBC, Teach First, Black Rock, and the Audit Commission.
MSc
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2:1 UK undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in any social science. Other degrees are possible, including economics, finance, business, psychology, and all science backgrounds. Relevant experience can be considered in lieu of a degree. Degrees must have been fully taken in an approved English-speaking country to meet language requirement and awarded in the two years before the start of the programme. For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants You can apply to this course by clicking the link "Apply" at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal. |
| Location | Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LG |
Fees
| England | 15000 GBP for Whole course |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 15000 GBP for Whole course |
| Scotland | 15000 GBP for Whole course |
| Wales | 15000 GBP for Whole course |
| Channel Islands | 15000 GBP for Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | 15000 GBP for Whole course |
| EU | 28750 GBP for Whole course |
| International | 28750 GBP for Whole course |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2:1 UK undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in any social science. Other degrees are possible, including economics, finance, business, psychology, and all science backgrounds. Relevant experience can be considered in lieu of a degree. Degrees must have been fully taken in an approved English-speaking country to meet language requirement and awarded in the two years before the start of the programme. For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants You can apply to this course by clicking the link "Apply" at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal. |
| Location | Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LG |
Fees
| England | 14000 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 14000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 14000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 14000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 14000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | 14000 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 27500 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 27500 GBP for Year 1 |
Durham University
- World top 100 University: Joint 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
- UK top 10 University: 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
- 7th in the Complete University Guide 2025
- World top 30 University for sustainability: 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
- 65th in the world in the category of Employer Reputation. QS World University Rankings 2025
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