ANALYSE POLICY IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT

MSc Policy Analysis and Global Governance

The MSc Policy Analysis and Global Governance course develops advanced understanding of public policy, global governance and the organisations working to address complex global challenges.

Award

MSc

Duration

One year full-time or two years part-time

Tuition Costs 2026/27

Study Location(s)

Course starting dates

September, January, May

Policy analysis and global governance

Understand policy, governance and global challenges

The MSc Policy Analysis and Global Governance course equips you to investigate how state and non-state actors work together to address complex global problems.

You will examine issues such as climate change, human rights, health inequalities, terrorism and migration, alongside the development and impact of complex public policies. The course is particularly relevant to those interested in policy analysis, public administration, public management and evaluation.

You will study applied research methods, policy analysis, contemporary social issues, global crisis management and comparative governance and public administration. Optional modules allow you to explore related areas such as social justice, civil society, criminology, policing and populism.

Who is this course for?
This course is for graduates from the social sciences and for professionals working in policy, governance, public administration or public management who want to develop postgraduate-level analytical and evaluative skills.

Where this degree can take you
Graduates can pursue careers in policy analysis, public administration, public management, evaluation, the civil service, public sector organisations, NGOs, international organisations or further doctoral study.

Course Details

Policy analysis focus

Evaluate how public policies are developed, implemented and assessed.

Global governance perspective

Explore how organisations and networks address international challenges.

Public sector relevance

Build skills for policy, public administration and governance roles.

  • Applied Research Methods in Social Sciences — 20 credits
  • Policy Analysis and Practice — 20 credits
  • Contemporary Social Issues — 20 credits
  • Global Crisis Management — 20 credits
  • Comparative Governance and Public Administration — 20 credits
  • Social Sciences Dissertation — 60 credits
  • The State, Globalisation and Social Justice — 20 credits
  • Civil Society and Social Justice — 20 credits
  • Applied Criminology and Criminal Justice — 20 credits
  • Comparative Penology — 20 credits
  • Comparative Policing — 20 credits
  • Contemporary Populism and Nationalism — 20 credits

Optional modules may vary and further Level 10 options may be available by agreement with the Programme Leader.

Teaching is delivered through in-person lectures and seminars, with some online provision depending on the module. The course uses research networks, guest speakers, field trips and applied learning.

Assessment is designed to be career-relevant and includes an extended dissertation based on a focused research question.

The course supports progression into policy analysis, public administration, public management, evaluation, civil service and public sector roles, as well as doctoral study.

Entry Requirements

What qualifications do you need?

We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Please visit our Postgraduate entry requirements page for information on our different entry requirements, including country-specific details for EU and non-EU qualifications.

Applicants will normally have an Honours degree with a minimum 2:2 classification within the broad area of the Social Sciences, or a bachelor’s degree with significant and relevant work experience.

Admission through recognition of prior learning may be considered in line with the UWS Regulatory Framework. Accredited prior learning and accredited prior experiential learning may be considered, subject to University limits.

English language proficiency is required. Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet IELTS 6.0 or equivalent University requirements.

Careers across MSc Policy Analysis and Global Governance

Career Prospects

Explore the career opportunities this course can lead to. The skills and knowledge you gain can prepare you for a wide range of roles across your chosen industry and support your long-term professional development.

Our application process is simple and fast.

Our application process is simple and fast.

Ready to apply or just exploring? Follow these simple steps to begin your journey to a career-focused education in one of the world’s most exciting cities.
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