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University of Bristol: Public Policy
| Institution | University of Bristol View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School for Policy Studies |
| Web | https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate |
| sps-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 954 6785 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
What is public policy? Who is it shaped by? Which institutions are involved? What impact does it have on an economic, social and cultural environment that is globalised?
This programme engages with contemporary policy concerns and the increasing complexity of the policy environment. It explores the contested dynamics of policymaking and policy implementation and provides students with the skills to understand, critically evaluate and develop policy alternatives in a local, national and international context. The programme seeks to prepare the next generation of policymakers to address a range of policy issues and understand the role and impact of different stakeholders, including business and the voluntary sector as well as international and regional organisations.
It is intended for those who aspire to pursue professional career options, including policy planning, policy consultancy and policy officer positions for local and national government, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations.
As well as considering general policy concerns, the programme gives you an opportunity to choose from a range of substantive policy issues, which might include the international analysis of poverty and social exclusion; public management and organisations; migration, asylum and human rights; the economics of public policy; environmental policy; or corruption and public policy. Units consider policy in an international and comparative context.
If you choose to apply for and undertake the Policy Analysis Capstone unit, you will explore a current societal concern for a policy audience and gain experience of assessing policy options using policy analysis techniques.
Students on this programme will benefit from being taught by academics who are leaders in their areas of research.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You will typically need an upper second class honours degree or an international equivalent in a Social Science, Humanities or related discipline. If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your degree is not listed above, if you have evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum 18 months paid or unpaid) in the following sectors/areas: mid- to high-level policy work for local or national government or third sector/voluntary/community-based organisation (Manager, Director, Policy Officer, Researcher, Analyst, Policy Maker, Political/Civil Office). We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications: - evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum 18 months paid or unpaid) in the following sectors/areas: mid- to high-level policy work for local or national government or third sector/voluntary/community-based organisation (Manager, Director, Policy Officer, Researcher, Analyst, Policy Maker, Political/Civil Office) - a postgraduate qualification in any discipline. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 18200 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 18200 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 18200 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 18200 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 18200 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 32700 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 32700 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
What is public policy? Who is it shaped by? Which institutions are involved? What impact does it have on an economic, social and cultural environment that is globalised?
This programme engages with contemporary policy concerns and the increasing complexity of the policy environment. It explores the contested dynamics of policymaking and policy implementation and provides students with the skills to understand, critically evaluate and develop policy alternatives in a local, national and international context. The programme seeks to prepare the next generation of policymakers to address a range of policy issues and understand the role and impact of different stakeholders, including business and the voluntary sector as well as international and regional organisations.
It is intended for those who aspire to pursue professional career options, including policy planning, policy consultancy and policy officer positions for local and national government, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations.
As well as considering general policy concerns, the programme gives you an opportunity to choose from a range of substantive policy issues, which might include the international analysis of poverty and social exclusion; public management and organisations; migration, asylum and human rights; the economics of public policy; environmental policy; or corruption and public policy. Units consider policy in an international and comparative context.
If you choose to apply for and undertake the Policy Analysis Capstone unit, you will explore a current societal concern for a policy audience and gain experience of assessing policy options using policy analysis techniques.
Students on this programme will benefit from being taught by academics who are leaders in their areas of research.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You will typically need an upper second class honours degree or an international equivalent in a Social Science, Humanities or related discipline. If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your degree is not listed above, if you have evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum 18 months paid or unpaid) in the following sectors/areas: mid- to high-level policy work for local or national government or third sector/voluntary/community-based organisation (Manager, Director, Policy Officer, Researcher, Analyst, Policy Maker, Political/Civil Office). We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications: - evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum 18 months paid or unpaid) in the following sectors/areas: mid- to high-level policy work for local or national government or third sector/voluntary/community-based organisation (Manager, Director, Policy Officer, Researcher, Analyst, Policy Maker, Political/Civil Office) - a postgraduate qualification in any discipline. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| Channel Islands | 9100 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| England | 9100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 9100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 9100 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 9100 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
What is public policy? Who is it shaped by? Which institutions are involved? What impact does it have on an economic, social and cultural environment that is increasingly globalised?
This programme engages with contemporary policy concerns and the increasing complexity of the policy environment. It explores the contested dynamics of policymaking and policy implementation and provides students with the skills to understand, critically evaluate and develop policy alternatives in a local, national and international context. The programme seeks to prepare the next generation of policymakers to address a range of policy issues and understand the role and impact of different stakeholders, including business and the voluntary sector as well as international and regional organisations.
It is intended for those who aspire to pursue professional career options, including policy planning, policy consultancy and policy officer positions for local and national government, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations.
As well as considering general policy concerns, the programme gives you an opportunity to choose from a range of substantive policy issues, which might include the international analysis of poverty and social exclusion; public management and organisations; migration, asylum and human rights; the economics of public policy; or corruption and public policy. Every unit considers policy in an international and comparative context.
Students on this programme will benefit from being taught by academics who are leaders in their areas of research. The University of Bristol has been ranked 14th in the world for Social Policy and Administration according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
To find out more, take a look at these videos exploring scholarships, international studies and the student perspective: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7PgmFn2M_V-7hwkPdeIFYaxRxiUuQTQq
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a Social Science discipline such as: * Accounting and Finance If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your degree is not listed above, if you have evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum 18 months paid or unpaid) in the following sectors/areas: mid- to high-level policy work for local or national government or third sector/voluntary/community-based organisation (Manager, Director, Policy Officer, Researcher, Analyst, Policy Maker, Political/Civil Office). We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications: * evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum 18 months paid or unpaid) in the following sectors/areas: mid- to high-level policy work for local or national government or third sector/voluntary/community-based organisation (Manager, Director, Policy Officer, Researcher, Analyst, Policy Maker, Political/Civil Office); See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 17700 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 17700 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 17700 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 17700 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 17700 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 31800 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 31800 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
What is public policy? Who is it shaped by? Which institutions are involved? What impact does it have on an economic, social and cultural environment that is increasingly globalised?
This programme engages with contemporary policy concerns and the increasing complexity of the policy environment. It explores the contested dynamics of policymaking and policy implementation and provides students with the skills to understand, critically evaluate and develop policy alternatives in a local, national and international context. The programme seeks to prepare the next generation of policymakers to address a range of policy issues and understand the role and impact of different stakeholders, including business and the voluntary sector as well as international and regional organisations.
It is intended for those who aspire to pursue professional career options, including policy planning, policy consultancy and policy officer positions for local and national government, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations.
As well as considering general policy concerns, the programme gives you an opportunity to choose from a range of substantive policy issues, which might include the international analysis of poverty and social exclusion; public management and organisations; migration, asylum and human rights; the economics of public policy; or corruption and public policy. Every unit considers policy in an international and comparative context.
Students on this programme will benefit from being taught by academics who are leaders in their areas of research. The University of Bristol has been ranked 14th in the world for Social Policy and Administration according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
To find out more, take a look at these videos exploring scholarships, international studies and the student perspective: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7PgmFn2M_V-7hwkPdeIFYaxRxiUuQTQq
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a Social Science discipline such as: * Accounting and Finance If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your degree is not listed above, if you have evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum 18 months paid or unpaid) in the following sectors/areas: mid- to high-level policy work for local or national government or third sector/voluntary/community-based organisation (Manager, Director, Policy Officer, Researcher, Analyst, Policy Maker, Political/Civil Office). We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications: * evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum 18 months paid or unpaid) in the following sectors/areas: mid- to high-level policy work for local or national government or third sector/voluntary/community-based organisation (Manager, Director, Policy Officer, Researcher, Analyst, Policy Maker, Political/Civil Office); See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| Channel Islands | 8850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| England | 8850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 8850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 8850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 8850 GBP for Year 1 |
Discover the University of Bristol
Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol is one of the UK’s top 10 universities (QS World University Rankings 2026), with a global reputation for world-leading research and academic excellence. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities, Bristol also ranks top five in the UK for research (THE analysis of REF 2021).
With its independent and pioneering spirit, the University has a reputation for doing things differently. Bristol was the UK’s first institute of higher education to admit women on an equal basis with men. In 2019, …
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