MSc Public Policy

How is public policy made? What are the global challenges today’s policymakers face? And how do we develop effective, impactful solutions? Explore these vital questions - and shape the future - by studying with us. You will train in policy evaluation, policy analysis, policy communication and policy design.

Why Lancaster?

• Develop and build applied practical skills in policy analysis and learn through real-world case studies
• Create a policy portfolio and become a specialist in a policy area that interests you
• Apply for an internship with The Richardson Institute - hone your research skills, apply theory to practice and experience policymaking in action
• Join one of 5 universities to have a partnership with the HM Government Open Innovation Team and one of the only ones to offer a dedicated Politics Policy School
• Benefit from our expertise - our team works with UK parliament, regional and local governments and communities to shape policy changes

Fresh ideas to meet big challenges

Conflict, climate change, cost of living. Global crises cannot be solved by one individual. To make a change, we need to take collective action – and without policy that wouldn’t be possible.

The world needs good policymakers with new ideas and a fresh approach to tackle the complex challenges we face today. Our MSc in Public Policy equips you with the tools to become a forward-thinking policymaker ready to drive meaningful change.

Creating innovative policy

If you want to work in the world of international, national or local policy, you need to know how it’s made. This course unpacks policymaking and gives you the skills to research, evaluate and create policy.

You’ll train in policy design, evaluation, analysis, and communication and prepare to confront global challenges through an applied approach that has impact on real-world issues.

Whether you’re interested in environmental, immigration, defence, foreign, or EU public policy, or the broader politics of policymaking, we’ll help you hone your specialism and sharpen the skills employers are looking for.

Learn from a team of experts

Our staff are experienced policy practitioners and recognised research leaders in the field of Public Policy. They design and deliver impact driven research in different domains such as local government, social justice, political behaviour, foreign policy and international arenas.

You might recognise some of our teaching team for their expertise in community engagement and sustainability. You might have picked up their books in a shop – one academic has recently published on Labour's immigration policy.

Our aim is to deliver perspectives from policy practitioners in different roles, so you’ll also learn from practitioner-based external speakers.

Create real policy proposals

On this master’s programme you will examine the world of policy through a critical lens. Your assessments are designed to apply policy analysis skills, and you will use real-world case studies throughout.

In your portfolio project, for example, you will turn analysis into real policy recommendations. Investigating a specific area, you’ll apply the knowledge and skills you’ve gained in policy evaluation, analysis and design to create policy recommendations.

On completion, you’ll showcase your work at a conference which will be attended by our community of practitioners and academics.

With this degree you will have an expertise in a chosen policy area, you will have demonstrated practical competencies, and you’ll have a portfolio of evidence to impress future employers.