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Politics, Governance and Public Policy, MA, University of Sheffield

the United Kingdom

University of Sheffield

Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
MAFull-time, Part-time1 - 2 yearfind outGBP 11120 per yearGBP 23760 per year

About Politics, Governance and Public Policy, MA - at University of Sheffield

On this course you'll explore the complexity of contemporary governance. You will examine its effects on the policymaking process, the multiplicity of actors involved in it, the powers they have to affect it and the constraints under which they operate.

You'll be guided by expert academic staff who specialise in governance and public policy. Together, you will address the following questions:

  • What can different kinds of policymakers, operating in different governing contexts, actually achieve?
  • How does global development policy designed at the UN or the World Bank influence on-the-ground practice in recipient countries?
  • Why are more and more public governance functions taken on by private actors, and who wins and loses from this process?
  • Where should governing authority for particular policies be located between the sub-national, national and international level?
  • What theories and concepts can we utilise to help us better understand these processes?

This degree attracts a hugely diverse student body. Some students may have already studied politics and public policy previously and want to further their knowledge. Others have come from other social science backgrounds and wish to specialise, while bringing knowledge and theory from an alternate academic perspective.

We also welcome students with no academic experience in the subject, who might have experience working in a diverse array of sectors such as the military, petrochemicals or financial risk compliance, and wish to further their knowledge of how and why the public policy process functions in the way that it does.

If this sounds like you, and you're fascinated by the questions of how policy is governed and what policymakers can achieve, then this is the degree for you.

Notes about fees for this course

The fee listed is for the advertised mode of study. If you're studying for an alternative qualification or via a different mode of study (eg full-time, part-time) then the fee could be different. Due to inflation, the fee for Home students could also increase after your first year of study. Use Sheffield's fee calculator or contact the Student Fees team to check.

Fee status help

Funding for postgraduate taught courses

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant social science, arts and humanities subject or other related subject.

We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

Entry requirements for international students

Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

Other English language qualifications we accept

Pathway programme for international students

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College . This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

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