MSc Public Policy at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

The MSc Public Policy develops graduates who understand the contexts and challenges facing governments and public agencies and the processes and politics of policy formation and delivery. Students choose a General, Sustainability or Data Analytics pathway.

Duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time | Intake: September | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core courses in Understanding Public Policy, Researching Public Policy and Evidence, Evaluation and Policy, plus optional courses and an MSc dissertation. The Data Analytics pathway adds Data and Artificial Intelligence in Policy and Society and quantitative or GIS options; the Sustainability pathway adds Sustainable Urban Futures and sustainability-focused options.

Career pathways

Graduates work in national and local government, non-governmental organisations, consultancy, international organisations specialising in public policy, sustainability and data analytics, and third sector organisations.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2.1 Honours degree (or non-UK equivalent) in any Social Science or Humanities subject; other relevant subjects considered. A 2.2 may sometimes be accepted. Extensive work experience (e.g. in government) may be considered alongside a lower degree, with a CV. Applicants with a non-relevant degree or below 2:1 submit a question-based personal statement. One reference letter is required. International applicants: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0; TOEFL iBT 92 overall (tests taken from 21 January 2026); PTE Academic (test centre) 65 overall with Reading 60, Listening 60, Speaking 65, Writing 60. Other tests are accepted and a University pre-sessional course can also meet the requirement. Applications for September 2027 entry: UK applicants by 24 August 2027; international applicants apply in rounds from 1 October 2026 to 8 July 2027 (final decision date 29 July 2027).

International applicants: GBP 30,390 a year (2027/28). International and EU full-time fee Source

Intake: September

Duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

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