MA Global Public Policy

Program Overview

The MA in Global Public Policy at the University of Birmingham offers students a comprehensive understanding of global governance and the diverse policy challenges that shape the modern world. The program focuses on the complex interplay between national, regional, and international policy processes and explores the role of institutions, organizations, and actors in addressing transnational issues. It equips students with the critical thinking and practical skills required to assess and formulate public policies that can address global challenges. Students will engage in an analysis of policy-making across various sectors, including economic policy, social policy, international development, and human rights, while also examining the political, economic, and social factors that influence global policy decisions. This program is ideal for those looking to pursue careers in international public policy, global governance, and related fields.

Curriculum: The MA in Global Public Policy curriculum combines core modules with elective courses, offering students a solid foundation in global policy theory while allowing flexibility to explore specialized areas. Core modules include Global Public Policy, International Governance and Organizations, Global Political Economy, and Research Methods for Global Policy Analysis, ensuring that students gain a well-rounded understanding of key policy issues and the methods required to evaluate them. Students also have the opportunity to select from a range of elective modules, such as Environmental Policy and Governance, Global Health Policy, Conflict and Security, and Development Policy. The program culminates in a dissertation or research project, enabling students to explore a policy issue of their choice in depth and contribute original insights to the field.

Research Focus: The MA in Global Public Policy at the University of Birmingham benefits from the university’s strong emphasis on policy research, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities that arise in the context of global governance. Research themes include international development, global health, climate change and environmental policy, conflict resolution, and human rights policy. The university's Institute for Research into Superdiversity (IRiS) and other policy-focused research centers engage in cutting-edge research that informs global public policy debates. Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects and can draw from the university's extensive resources to explore pressing global issues. The program’s research focus helps students develop critical analytical skills, preparing them to contribute to the development of innovative solutions to global policy challenges.

Industry Engagement: The MA in Global Public Policy provides strong industry engagement, offering students opportunities to work with leading global organizations, think tanks, NGOs, and governmental bodies. The University of Birmingham has established partnerships with a wide range of international institutions, including the United Nations, World Bank, European Union, and national governments, allowing students to gain practical experience through internships, placements, and collaborative research projects. Guest speakers and seminars featuring policymakers, global governance experts, and practitioners provide students with the opportunity to engage with professionals in the field, gaining insights into real-world policy-making processes. These industry connections ensure that students are well-prepared for careers in public policy, international relations, development, and global governance.

Global Perspective: The MA in Global Public Policy at the University of Birmingham adopts a truly global perspective, offering students a thorough understanding of the complex and interconnected nature of global policy. The program examines policy-making processes from multiple international perspectives, considering how global issues are addressed across different regions, political systems, and cultural contexts. Students will explore the role of international organizations, such as the United Nations, in shaping policy responses to global challenges, and will gain a deeper understanding of how domestic policies can affect and be affected by global developments. The program also explores the impact of globalization on policy-making and the role of emerging powers in global governance. This global outlook prepares students to think critically and strategically about global issues and equips them to contribute to international policy debates.