Professional Doctorate in Public Policy and Political Economy at University of Buckingham

Programme overview

Want to or already work in public policy practice? This course will advance a career in public policy or an academic career. This unique Professional Doctorate in Public Policy and Political Economy programme is aimed at individuals who are working in, or who have previously worked in, an area of public policy practice (for example, a think tank, charity, in journalism, in the civil service or a central bank, or as a political researcher). Teachers of economics and politics can also take the programme. The format of teaching and research provides a structured, but flexible, framework making this the ideal way to combine doctoral studies with professional life.

Faculty: School of Humanities and Social Sciences | Duration: 4 years part-time | Study mode: part-time (online) | Intake: September 2026 | Location: Buckingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

You will attend the weekly evening seminars held on the MA in Political Economy by Research. These cover topics such as Adam Smith; Alfred Marshall; the marginalists and neo-classical economics; Karl Marx; Friedrich Hayek and the Austrians; J.M. Keynes; James Buchanan, Gordon Tullock and public choice theory; the Frankfurt School; and behavioural economics.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Good Honours (2.1 or above) BA or BSc degree in an appropriate discipline or a relevant Masters degree. If you only have a Masters degree, you must have achieved an average of 60 per cent or above. In addition, you must have had two years’ work experience in a relevant area if you are currently working. Alternatively, you can enter the programme if you have had ten years’ previous relevant work experience if you are no longer working in a public policy area or if you are not working at all.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,200 a year (2026/27). Part-time (4 years); From £6,200 per year Source

International applicants: GBP 6,200 a year (2026/27). Part-time (4 years); From £6,200 per year Source

Intake: September 2026

Duration: 4 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/course-redirect/?coursecode=RPDP4PPPEC

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