BSc Acoustics and Music Technology
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MSc Public Policy
Central Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The Master of Science (MSc) in Public Policy program at The University of Edinburgh is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and analytical tools necessary to address complex policy challenges facing governments, organizations, and societies. Through a rigorous curriculum that combines theory with practical application, students gain a deep understanding of the political, economic, social, and ethical dimensions of public policy-making processes. The program covers a wide range of policy areas, including but not limited to education, health, social welfare, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Students learn to critically evaluate policy options, analyze policy impacts, and develop evidence-based solutions to pressing social and public issues. With a focus on interdisciplinary learning, policy analysis, and policy implementation, graduates emerge prepared to pursue careers in government, non-profit organizations, research institutes, consulting firms, and international agencies, where they can contribute to shaping and influencing public policies at local, national, and global levels.
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Interdisciplinary Curriculum: The MSc in Public Policy program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates insights from political science, economics, sociology, law, and other social sciences to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the policy-making process. Through core courses and electives, students explore theories of policy analysis, governance structures, policy evaluation techniques, and ethical considerations in policy-making, gaining a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities in public policy.
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Policy Analysis and Evaluation: The program emphasizes quantitative and qualitative methods for policy analysis and evaluation, equipping students with the analytical skills and tools necessary to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of policy interventions. Students learn to conduct literature reviews, design research studies, collect and analyze data, and communicate findings to policymakers and stakeholders, enhancing their ability to make evidence-based recommendations and informed decisions in policy-making processes.
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Policy Implementation and Management: In addition to policy analysis, the program focuses on policy implementation and management, exploring strategies for translating policy objectives into action and achieving desired policy outcomes. Students learn about the role of public agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector actors in policy implementation, as well as the challenges of coordination, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement in the policy implementation process.
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Policy Specializations: The program offers opportunities for students to specialize in specific policy areas or domains of interest through elective courses, independent research projects, and internships. Whether students are interested in education policy, health policy, environmental policy, social welfare policy, or economic policy, they have the flexibility to tailor their learning experience to their career goals and interests, gaining expertise in their chosen policy area.
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Practical Experience and Professional Development: Throughout the program, students have opportunities for practical experience and professional development through internships, policy projects, guest lectures, and networking events. They engage with policymakers, practitioners, and experts in the field of public policy, gaining insights into real-world policy challenges and solutions, building their professional networks, and enhancing their employability in the public policy sector.
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Global Perspective: The program takes a global perspective on public policy, recognizing the interconnectedness of policy issues across borders and the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing global challenges. Students explore comparative policy analysis, international policy networks, and transnational policy issues, preparing them to work in diverse cultural and institutional contexts and contribute to global policy debates and initiatives.
Location
Central Campus
Score
IELTS: 7
Tuition Fee
£ 28800
Postgraduate entry requirements:
Application fee : £50
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Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are typically required to have achieved a minimum academic qualification of approximately 60%, based on their previous academic achievements and qualifications.
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English Language Proficiency:
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IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).
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PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 59 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
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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 Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement.
Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.
School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.
External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.
Graduates of the Master of Science (MSc) in Public Policy program at The University of Edinburgh are well-equipped to pursue diverse and rewarding careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, both domestically and internationally. With a solid foundation in policy analysis, research methods, and practical skills gained through coursework, internships, and policy projects, MSc Public Policy graduates are prepared to address complex societal challenges and contribute to evidence-based policy-making and implementation.
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Policy Analyst/Researcher: Graduates may work as policy analysts or researchers in government agencies, think tanks, research institutes, or consulting firms, conducting policy analysis, evaluating policy options, and generating research insights to inform decision-making processes. They may specialize in specific policy areas such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, or economic development, conducting quantitative and qualitative research, and producing reports, briefs, and policy recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders.
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Government Policy Advisor: Graduates may pursue careers as government policy advisors or civil servants, working in ministries, departments, or executive agencies at local, national, or international levels. They may provide expert advice and support to elected officials, policymakers, and senior executives on policy development, implementation, and evaluation, contributing to the formulation of evidence-based policies and the effective delivery of public services.
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Non-Profit/NGO Professional: Graduates may work in non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, or international NGOs, advocating for policy changes, mobilizing public support, and implementing programs and initiatives to address social, environmental, or humanitarian issues. They may engage in policy advocacy, community organizing, coalition-building, and public education efforts to influence public policies and promote social justice, equity, and human rights.
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Private Sector Consultant: Graduates may pursue careers as policy consultants or advisors in the private sector, providing strategic advice, analysis, and recommendations to corporations, businesses, and industry associations on regulatory compliance, government relations, and public policy issues. They may help businesses navigate complex policy environments, assess policy risks and opportunities, and develop advocacy strategies to shape policy outcomes in their favor.
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International Development Specialist: Graduates may work in international development organizations, multilateral agencies, or donor agencies, supporting development projects and programs aimed at addressing poverty, inequality, and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in low- and middle-income countries. They may contribute to policy analysis, capacity-building, and technical assistance efforts, helping governments and organizations develop and implement policies and strategies to improve social, economic, and environmental conditions.
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Policy Entrepreneur/Social Innovator: Graduates may become policy entrepreneurs or social innovators, launching their initiatives, startups, or social enterprises to address emerging policy challenges or unmet social needs. They may develop innovative solutions, leverage technology and data analytics, and collaborate with stakeholders to pilot, scale, and sustain innovative policy interventions and initiatives that have the potential to create positive social impact and systemic change.
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Academic/Researcher: Graduates may pursue further studies or research careers in academia, pursuing doctoral degrees or research positions in universities, research institutes, or policy think tanks. They may conduct independent research, publish scholarly articles, and contribute to advancing knowledge in public policy theory, practice, and methodology, shaping the future of the field through their research contributions and academic teaching.
