PIR staff expertise
Politics and International Relations staff at the University of Aberdeen offer internationally renowned expertise in politics, public policy and multilevel governance.
Politics and Public Policy, MSc
Introduction
New programme starting September 2025, now accepting applications. Apply today!
The MSc Politics and Public Policy equips students with the necessary expertise and skills for careers in politics and policymaking in government, business, third-sector organisations, the media, the research sector, and international institutions.
You will gain a deep understanding of key problems and issues in UK and international politics, the processes of policy making, the limitations of public policy responses, and how to bring about good public policy.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September or January
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Public policy responses to the world’s political problems tend to disappoint. In this programme you will gain the theoretical knowledge, frameworks and tools to analyse, evaluate and develop policy relating to key political contemporary issues and challenges including poverty, human rights, migration, climate change and energy transition.
Through examining pressing issues in contemporary politics and the complexity of the public policy process in a variety of economic, social and cultural settings, you will develop an understanding of how public policy can resolve these immense challenges, in the UK and internationally.
This programme will equip you with knowledge of policymaking process and their strengths and limitations. You will explore how key actors, such as politicians, experts, corporate interests, campaign groups, the media, social movements, activists and the public, set the agenda and shape the development of public policy at various levels, from the local to the global. You will consider how to bring about change and develop successful public policy and learn how policymaking can meet the challenges of modern multi-level governance in a rapidly changing world.
You will have the unique opportunity to study specialist courses on political issues like migration and climate change, and courses which consider how campaigns and movements apply pressure on political systems to change.
The MSc Politics and Public Policy is suitable for students from a wide range of backgrounds, including politics, business, economics, international relations, law, and sociology, who seek to develop the skills necessary for a career in politics and public policy at local, national or international levels.
Join us to learn how to understand and evaluate the policy process, undertake research, and communicate your knowledge and findings on some of the world’s most taxing social and political problems.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Politics and Public Policy
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year UK £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year Graduates of the University of Aberdeen are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, which reduces the tuition fee to £7,000, in line with the current tuition fee loan amount offered by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). Please see the following for full terms and conditions: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/653
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Teaching includes a range of interactive methods and approaches to learning to enhance critical thinking, presentation, communication, interpersonal, and policy drafting skills.
Examples of assessments include policy reports, writing (and presenting) speeches and group projects. A supervised dissertation allows students to conduct independent research.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Courses are assessed through essays, presentations, group and project work. The variety of assessment in the programme ensures that students apply theory to practice and become expert communicators and team players.
Why Study Politics and Public Policy?
- Gain the theoretical knowledge, frameworks and tools to analyse, evaluate and develop policy relating to key political contemporary issues and challenges including poverty, human rights, migration, climate change diplomacy and the energy transition.
- The core of the programme combines theoretical knowledge of public policy approaches and practical application through the study of important policy challenges facing the world today. You will gain the knowledge, frameworks, and tools needed to analyse, evaluate, and develop policy relating to these key issues and challenges.
- Tailor your degree to your interests. A wide range of optional courses provide the opportunity to specialise in key political issues, movements for change, and campaign activism.
- Assessments are diverse, with opportunity to study independently and with peers. The MSc programme includes completion of a dissertation, a piece of independent research on public policy.
- Learn from a team of world-leading experts on Scottish, UK, and international politics. The University of Aberdeen is home to several research centres and institutes, including the Centre for Energy Transition; Centre for Global Development; the Centre for Global Security and Governance and more.
- The Politics and International Relations Department consistently scores highly in the National Student Survey, most recently ranking 3rd in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Politics (NSS 2024). We are part of the School of Social Science, which is nationally recognised for its expertise and quality of teaching. The School is ranked in the Global Top 200 for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025) and we are ranked 8th in the UK for International Relations (Guardian University Guide 2025).
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body.
Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipCareers
The MSc Politics and Public Policy is an ideal programme for those who seek to develop the skills necessary for a career in politics and public policy at local, national, or international levels.
Graduates of this programme will be well prepared for a career in various political and policy roles in government at a local or national level, in the public sector (e.g. the civil service), in international organisations, in media and in consultancy work for private sector organisations, trade unions, charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Career Opportunities
- Civil Servant
- Community Relations Advisor
- Government Official
- Media Communications and Journalism
- Policy Analyst
- Policy Manager
- Political Party Researcher
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Research Analyst
- Social Policy Advisor
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinators
- Dr Lynn Bennie
- Professor Joanne McEvoy
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Features
On-campus learning
Study on a campus that has helped shape the modern world. Since 1495 we've continued to add and innovate, growing our campus to an ideal blend of old and new. Explore the historic King's Quad, study in the modern Sir Duncan Rice Library, and more.
World-class facilities
We invest heavily in our facilities and learning resources, ensuring our students have access to everything they need to help them succeed in their studies - from the stunning Sir Duncan Rice Library, to Aberdeen Sport Village, and beyond.
Find out more
International community
We are a Scottish university that was founded with international connections. Our community of 3,600 staff and over 14,000 students includes more than 130 nationalities, which enriches our teaching, research, and students' experiences.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX