University College London (UCL)

International Public Policy MSc

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars, and includes a policy simulation and a series of talks with leading practitioners and policymakers.

Assessment is through a variety of methods, including unseen examination, long essays and the dissertation.

For full-time students, typical contact hours are around 12 hours per week. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Example of time spent if a Full-time Student versus Part-time Student

• Full-time: Students study for 40 hours per week. Additionally, students retaking a year will be deemed Full-time, when retaking more than half of the activity of the year.
• Part-time: Students study at a structured rate per week, normally half the rate of Full-time study. Additionally, students retaking a year will be deemed Part-time when retaking half or less of the activity of the year.

Modules

Full-time

You are required to take four compulsory modules (including one Qualitative methods module, one Quantitative methods module and the Dissertation), two optional modules from the Department of Political Science which fall under four categories [ 1. International Political Economy; 2. Social and Environmental Issues;,3.International Security and 4. International Policy making] and two elective modules.

• In term one, you will take a compulsory module on “International Public Policy”, which is focused directly on the analysis of global public policy programmes. You will also attend compulsory modules on quantitative and qualitative methods (introductory or advanced, depending on prior training).
• In terms one and two, you will choose two optional modules from our wide-ranging offer in the fields of comparative politics, international relations, public policy and political theory. Please consult the Department’s website for an overview of modules: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/political-science/study/post-graduate-taught/all-postgraduate-modules
• Students can also select two elective modules.
• In term three, you may sit exams and work on your MSc dissertation project, in one-to-one meetings with your dissertation supervisor and by conducting an independent research.

Part-time

The programme structure for part-time students follows the same structure as our full-time students. Please note that all students must take one qualitative and one quantitative methods module in order to conduct further independent research.

We do encourage our part-time students to distribute their workload evenly between the two years of study. The majority of part-time students opt for one of the following patterns:

• 75 credits in year one and 105 credits in year two;

or

• 90 credits in year one and 90 credits in year two.

Upon completion you will have undertaken modules to the value of 180 credits, comprising of four compulsory modules and a dissertation. You will have further attended elective module(s) so you can personalise your programme of study to your own academic or professional interests.

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation
• International Public Policy

Optional modules

• Causal Inference
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods
• International Political Economy
• Terrorism
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• Conflict Resolution and Post-War Development
• Governing Global Business
• Human Rights, Accountability and World Politics
• International Trade Policy
• The Political Economy of Development
• From Cyberwarfare to Robots: The Future of Global Conflict in the Digital Age
• International Negotiation
• The Politics of Immigration
• Global Security Policy
• Human Rights in Crisis

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in International Public Policy.

What this course will give you

UCL Political Science is recognised as a centre of excellence in the field and offers a uniquely stimulating environment for the study of international public policy.

• London features an enormous range of seminars, conferences, and other events on issues related to the programme. These provide a means for students to expand their knowledge and extend their professional networks.
• The research preparation and tailor-made interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary training students receive are of the highest standard available, at one of the world's top universities, as reflected in UCL's performance in a range of rankings and tables.

The foundation of your career

Graduate destinations both nationally and internationally include:

• Civil servants in departments in central or local government in the UK and overseas.
• Policy officers and researchers for UK members of parliament and Members of the European Parliament.
• The European Commission (for example through internships).
• Public and private sector organisations.
• Further research study at UCL or other universities in the UK or overseas.

(Graduate Outcomes survey 2017-2022)

Employability

The programme is designed to enhance career prospects by giving students transferable skills attractive to employers in a wide range of businesses and sectors, such as:

• Theoretical and critical analysis.
• Ability to design and carry out original research.
• Excellent oral and written communicational skills.

You will also learn to solve problems and issues and to build positive working relationships.

Networking

As a student in the Department you will have access to an impressive range of support, activities, and events that will contribute to your experience. Student societies, exhibitions, lectures, and valuable training is just a snippet of what is on offer for you.

• The Department host an eclectic and impressive offer of events, these range from our 'Policy and Practice' seminars which include talks by high-profile policy makers, practitioners and academics, to our Departmental Research Seminars (DRS).
• The International Public Policy Review is a student-led forum for debate, discussion, and networking for those passionate about politics, governance and international affairs
• The International and Public Affairs Society is a student-run society for all students in the Department of Political Science. They organise social and fundraising events and endeavour to develop a strong and friendly community within the School of Public Policy (SPP).
• UCL Social Data Institute is led by the Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences (SHS), and the Institute amplifies UCL’s advanced research and teaching in social data and methods.

The department also organises an annual Careers Week which brings together alumni, industry speakers and skills workshops.