MA Public Policy

The MA Public Policy program at King’s College London is designed for students who aspire to make a significant impact on policy-making and governance. The program offers a deep dive into the analysis, creation, and evaluation of public policies, equipping students with the skills needed to understand the complexities of the political, economic, and social environments that shape policy decisions. It combines academic rigor with practical insight, ensuring that graduates are prepared for influential roles in government, international organizations, think tanks, and NGOs. The course is tailored for those looking to build a career in public policy analysis, development, or implementation in a dynamic and ever-evolving global landscape.

Curriculum: The MA Public Policy curriculum at King’s College London is comprehensive and interdisciplinary, designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Core modules include topics such as political theory, public administration, governance, policy analysis, and economics. The program allows students to gain expertise in understanding the intricacies of policy-making processes at national and international levels. Additionally, elective modules offer opportunities for specialization in areas such as environmental policy, global security, social justice, and health policy, depending on students' interests. The program also emphasizes quantitative and qualitative research skills, preparing students to design and conduct policy analysis and evaluations. The curriculum is further enriched by opportunities for collaborative projects, workshops, and guest lectures from industry professionals.

Research Focus: The MA Public Policy program at King’s College London has a strong research focus that encourages students to engage with contemporary issues in public policy. Research within the program covers a wide range of areas, including but not limited to, environmental governance, health systems, education policy, international relations, and social welfare. Students are encouraged to critically analyze existing policies, propose innovative solutions, and contribute to the academic and practical understanding of public policy challenges. King’s College London provides access to cutting-edge research resources and expertise, allowing students to delve into complex policy questions and produce high-quality research papers. The program also fosters collaboration with faculty members who are renowned experts in their respective fields.

Industry Engagement: One of the key strengths of the MA Public Policy program is its strong industry engagement. Students benefit from connections with a wide array of public sector organizations, think tanks, governmental bodies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This engagement provides students with real-world insights into the policy-making process and offers opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative research projects. The program regularly invites guest speakers from top institutions, providing students with valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, students have the chance to work on policy briefs, case studies, and practical simulations that closely mirror real-world policy challenges, preparing them for future roles in policy-making or analysis.

Global Perspective: The MA Public Policy program at King’s College London is internationally focused, reflecting the global nature of contemporary public policy challenges. The curriculum integrates global perspectives on policy-making, allowing students to understand the intersections between national and international governance structures. Whether it’s dealing with global security issues, international trade, or climate change, students learn to navigate the complexities of global public policy. The program also attracts a diverse student body, contributing to a dynamic learning environment where students can exchange ideas and perspectives from around the world. Graduates are well-prepared to work in international organizations, government agencies, or think tanks with a global reach, contributing to the development of policies that impact the world on a larger scale.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: 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:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

King’s College London is providing financial support to international students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. The university offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to assist international students in covering tuition fees and living costs while studying in the United Kingdom. These scholarships help make higher education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and regions.

King’s College London International Postgraduate Scholarships: King’s College London offers a range of scholarships for international postgraduate students. These scholarships are available for students applying to specific master’s programs and are designed to recognize academic achievement and potential. The scholarships vary in value, with some covering partial tuition fees and others offering full financial support. International students who have a strong academic record and potential for research excellence are eligible for consideration.

Commonwealth Scholarships: King’s College London is part of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, which offers scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships cover tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses for international students pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK. They are awarded based on academic excellence and the potential to contribute to the development of the student's home country after completing their studies.

Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a UK government-funded initiative that provides full financial support for postgraduate students from eligible countries. King’s College London is a participating university for Chevening Scholars, who are selected based on academic merit, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute to their communities. Chevening Scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a living stipend.

Dean’s Scholarships for International Students: Many departments at King’s College London offer Dean’s Scholarships for international students applying to specific programs. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and the student’s potential contribution to their field of study. They may provide partial or full funding for tuition fees and are typically available for high-achieving students who have an excellent academic record.

Country-Specific Scholarships: King’s College London offers country-specific scholarships for international students from specific regions or countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and who are making a positive impact in their home country. Each scholarship may have its own eligibility criteria, including academic qualifications, nationality, and financial need.

Graduates of the MA Public Policy program at King’s College London are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in a variety of roles within public policy and governance. The program’s rigorous academic structure, combined with its real-world applications, prepares students for leadership roles in public, private, and non-governmental sectors. Career opportunities span across national, international, and global platforms, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the degree.

Policy Analyst: Many graduates become policy analysts, working for government agencies, research institutions, or think tanks. These professionals evaluate existing policies, conduct research, and provide recommendations to improve policy decisions. They may specialize in sectors such as health, education, economic development, or social welfare.

Government Advisor: Graduates often work as advisors to government departments, offering expertise on policy development, implementation, and evaluation. They provide strategic guidance on public issues, support decision-making processes, and help shape the direction of public governance at local, national, and international levels.

Public Affairs Specialist: Public affairs specialists work with organizations to manage their relationship with policymakers, the public, and other stakeholders. They may represent businesses, non-profits, or advocacy groups and work on lobbying, communications strategies, and public relations efforts that align with government regulations.

International Relations Consultant: Those with an interest in global governance may pursue roles in international relations, advising governments or international organizations on policy matters. These consultants work on issues such as foreign policy, trade relations, human rights, and international law, contributing to the formulation of policies that have global implications.

Social Policy Specialist: Graduates interested in social issues can pursue careers in social policy, focusing on the design and implementation of policies aimed at addressing inequality, poverty, healthcare, education, and other societal concerns. They work with governmental and non-governmental organizations to improve social conditions and promote inclusive development.

Public Health Policy Advisor: With the growing importance of public health, graduates can pursue careers in health policy. As public health policy advisors, they design and evaluate policies that address issues like disease prevention, healthcare access, mental health, and public health responses to crises such as pandemics.

Economic Policy Advisor: Graduates can also specialize in economic policy, advising governments and financial institutions on economic trends, fiscal policies, and economic recovery strategies. These advisors assess the impact of economic policies and recommend strategies to promote sustainable growth, stability, and development.

NGO Program Manager: Many graduates choose to work in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), leading programs that aim to address global challenges such as climate change, human rights, and poverty. As program managers, they oversee policy-driven initiatives and ensure that projects align with the goals of the NGO and have measurable impacts.

Political Risk Consultant: In the private sector, graduates may work as political risk consultants, advising businesses on how political factors and policy changes could affect their operations in different regions. These consultants provide insights into political stability, economic conditions, and regulatory environments that influence global investments.

Academic or Researcher in Public Policy: For those interested in academia, the MA Public Policy program provides the foundation for a career in teaching or research. Graduates may pursue PhDs or engage in research positions at universities or policy research institutes, contributing to the development of new insights and theories in the field of public policy.

Public Sector Manager: Graduates can work in various management roles within public sector organizations, overseeing the implementation of policies, managing public services, and ensuring that government programs achieve their intended outcomes efficiently and equitably.

Advocacy and Lobbying Roles: Some graduates choose to advocate for specific causes or work as lobbyists for organizations or interest groups. They help shape public policy by influencing the legislative process, advocating for legislative changes, and fostering relationships with key policymakers.