MSc Accounting and Financial Management
Designed for graduates from diverse academic backgrounds with quantitative training, th...
MSc Policy Research
Bristol - Clifton
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Bristol's MSc Policy Research is a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with the skills necessary to conduct high-quality social research applicable across various policy contexts. This programme is ideal for individuals aiming to pursue careers as policy researchers, analysts, or research managers in public or private sectors, both domestically and internationally.
Curriculum: The curriculum offers core research training in the philosophy and design of social sciences, alongside introductions to both quantitative and qualitative research methods. A distinctive feature of the programme is its emphasis on co-produced research, engaging communities often marginalized or excluded from traditional research processes. Students can tailor their learning by selecting optional units in specialized policy areas such as child and family welfare, gender and violence, health and social care, poverty and social exclusion, and policy-oriented evaluation. This structure allows for in-depth exploration of specific policy interests through assignments and a dissertation.
Research Focus: The University of Bristol is renowned for its impactful research, with a significant portion rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (REF 2021). The MSc Policy Research programme integrates this cutting-edge research, emphasizing social justice and the practical application of research to enhance policy and societal outcomes. Students benefit from a learning environment that encourages critical thinking and the development of research that addresses real-world issues.
Industry Engagement: Recognizing the value of practical experience, the programme incorporates opportunities for students to reflect on and share their expertise, particularly those with backgrounds as researchers, service managers, or policy advisers. Collaborative teaching methods, including co-learning environments with students from related postgraduate programmes, foster the exchange of insights and real-world applications of policy research.
Global Perspective: The MSc Policy Research attracts a diverse cohort of students from around the globe, enriching the learning experience with a multitude of perspectives. The programme's content addresses policy issues in international and comparative contexts, preparing graduates to operate effectively in multicultural and global settings. This global outlook ensures that students are well-equipped to understand and influence policy development across different cultural and institutional environments.
Location
Bristol - Clifton
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 26000
- Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
- English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 85, with at least 20 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65 with no individual score below 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Bristol offers a range of scholarship opportunities to both domestic and international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to high-achieving students who are starting their undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the University of Bristol. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and a maintenance allowance.
Think Big Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic merit and potential.
Sanctuary Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to asylum seekers, refugees, and their immediate family members who are seeking an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Bristol. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and a maintenance allowance.
The MSc Policy Research program at the University of Bristol aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in policy research, analysis, and evaluation. The program is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of roles in public, private, and nonprofit sectors, both domestically and internationally. Graduates of the program can expect to find employment in a range of organizations, including government agencies, think tanks, consulting firms, research institutes, and NGOs.
Policy analyst: Policy analysts are responsible for researching, analyzing, and evaluating policies and programs to determine their effectiveness and make recommendations for improvement. Graduates with an MSc in Policy Research are well-suited to this role, as they have acquired the necessary research and analytical skills to identify and assess policy options.
Researcher: Graduates of the MSc Policy Research program are also well-equipped to work as researchers in a variety of settings. They have the skills to design and conduct research projects, analyze data, and communicate their findings to various audiences.
Program evaluator: Program evaluators are responsible for assessing the effectiveness of policies and programs. They use a variety of research methods to collect and analyze data and make recommendations for improvement. Graduates of the MSc Policy Research program are well-suited to this role, as they have the skills to design and conduct evaluations and to communicate their findings to stakeholders.
Consultant: Graduates of the MSc Policy Research program may also work as consultants, providing expert advice and guidance to organizations on policy-related issues. They may work in consulting firms, government agencies, or for NGOs.
Public affairs specialist: Public affairs specialists are responsible for managing an organization's relationships with stakeholders, including policymakers, the media, and the public. Graduates of the MSc Policy Research program have acquired the skills to analyze and communicate policy issues effectively, making them well-suited to this role.
