International Public Policy

The International Public Policy MSc at UCL provides students with a detailed and systematic understanding of how political institutions, processes and public policies operate in world affairs. The programme brings together the academic study of international relations with analysis of public policy formulation and governance beyond the nation-state.

Students are equipped with the theoretical tools and empirical evidence necessary for an in-depth understanding of policy-making within the general theories of international relations, political science, public policy and comparative politics. They develop analytical skills for the study of world politics and the assessment of issues currently facing international policymakers.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core modules (75 credits), optional modules (45 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

• International Organisation (30)
• Public Policy Economics and Analysis (15)
• Introduction to Qualitative Methods or Advanced Qualitative Methods (15)
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods or Advanced Quantitative Methods (15)

Optional modules

Choose one of the following 15-credit modules (the others remain available as options):

• Foreign Policy Analysis (15)
• Global Public Policy (15)
• International Political Economy (15)
• Theories of International Relations (15)

Choose further modules up to a value of 30 credits (the others remain available as options):

• The following are suggestions:
• Global Economic and Social Rights (15)
• Making Policy Work (15)
• Policy-Making and Regulation in Europe (15)
• The European Union in the World (15)
• The European Union, Globalisation and the State (15)

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars, and includes a policy simulation and a series of talks with leading practitioners and policymakers. Assessment is through a variety of methods, including unseen examination, long essays and the dissertation.

As a minimum, an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university; a CGPA of 3.3; or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Relevant practical or work experience in a related field may also be taken into account.