Public Policy, MA

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Key Course Details

UK
International

MA 1 Year Full Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2.2
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 8,150
Sep 2022	£ 8,400

MA 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2.2
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 4,050
Sep 2022	£ 4,200

MA 3 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2.2
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 2,700
Sep 2022	£ 2,800

MA 1 Year Full Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2.2 - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 17,850
Sep 2022	£ 18,400

MA 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2.2 - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 8,950
Sep 2022	£ 9,200

MA 3 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2.2 - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 5,950
Sep 2022	£ 6,150

Course Overview

The MA in Public Policy gives dynamic, high level training in the study of public policy and policy making at international, national and sub-state levels.

You will receive a solid grounding in key theoretical approaches to the study of public policy, and significantly develop your knowledge and skills around the subject.

This course concentrates on the skills required to work across the public policy landscape, which is today increasingly characterised by change and interdependence.

Therefore it also has relevance to evolving skills and knowledge if you are targeting a career in public policy research, policy advice, lobbying, public sector management or journalism. Or if you are already employed in the field.

Why Public Policy at Swansea?

Swansea University is a widely respected authority in the field of public policy.

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, we have the expertise and full range of facilities to ensure your learning is right up to the minute.

The Graduate Centre of the College of Arts and Humanities is designed to promote individual and collaborative research activity of international standard.

It offers a supportive environment for those pursuing postgraduate research and taught masters study, as well as training to enhance academic and professional development.

Your Public Policy Experience

You study three compulsory 20-credit international relations modules, and a further three optional modules before taking a 60-credit dissertation project in the second part of the course.

The three compulsory modules are: conceptual issues in the theory and practice of social sciences, the policy making process, and comparative governance in complex systems.

A compelling mix of further optional modules span from war and space to politics in contemporary Britain, and from cyber governance to devolution in comparative perspective.

Public Policy Employment Opportunities

You will develop a deep level of knowledge around public policy, as well as excellent oral and writing skills.

Graduates of the MA in Public Policy go on to careers in government and politics, local government, business, media and PR.

Modules

You take three compulsory 20-credit international relations modules, and a further three optional modules, before taking a 60-credit dissertation project in the second part of the course.

Your three compulsory modules are: conceptual issues in the theory and practice of social sciences, the policy making process, and comparative governance in complex systems.

MA 1 Year Full-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules

Choose Exactly 80 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You must take all four of the modules listed below.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Conceptual Issues In the Theory and Practice of Social Sciences	20	September-January	PO-M32
The Policy Making Process	20	September-January	PO-M67
Comparative Governance in Complex Systems	20	September-January	PO-M87
Analysing Politics and International Relations	20	January-June	PO-M93

AND

Optional modules

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select two modules from below

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Human rights, Humanitarian Intervention and Global Justice: Moral Problems International Politics.	20	January-June	PO-M37
The Global Governance of Drugs: Power, (geo)Politics and Narco-Diplomacy	20	January-June	PO-M69
Devolution in Comparative Perspective	20	January-June	PO-M89

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

Part- Two Dissertation

Choose Exactly 60 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students who successfully complete Part-1, progress to take the Part-2 Dissertation module below

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Dissertation	60	September-June	PO-M25

MA 2 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You must take all four of the modules listed below over the course of the MA. Select two this year, one from TB1, one from TB2 . The remaining two modules will be taken at year 2

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Conceptual Issues In the Theory and Practice of Social Sciences	20	September-January	PO-M32
The Policy Making Process	20	September-January	PO-M67
Comparative Governance in Complex Systems	20	September-January	PO-M87
Analysing Politics and International Relations	20	January-June	PO-M93

AND

Optional modules

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select one module from below

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Human rights, Humanitarian Intervention and Global Justice: Moral Problems International Politics.	20	January-June	PO-M37
The Global Governance of Drugs: Power, (geo)Politics and Narco-Diplomacy	20	January-June	PO-M69
Devolution in Comparative Perspective	20	January-June	PO-M89

Year 2 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules

Choose Exactly 100 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You must take all four of the modules listed below over the course of the MA. Select two this year (those not already taken during year 1). ALL students must take PO-M25 over the course of the summer.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Dissertation	60	September-June	PO-M25
Conceptual Issues In the Theory and Practice of Social Sciences	20	September-January	PO-M32
The Policy Making Process	20	September-January	PO-M67
Comparative Governance in Complex Systems	20	September-January	PO-M87
Analysing Politics and International Relations	20	January-June	PO-M93

AND

Optional modules

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select one module from below

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Human rights, Humanitarian Intervention and Global Justice: Moral Problems International Politics.	20	January-June	PO-M37
The Global Governance of Drugs: Power, (geo)Politics and Narco-Diplomacy	20	January-June	PO-M69
Devolution in Comparative Perspective	20	January-June	PO-M89

MA 3 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You must take all four of the modules listed below over the course of the MA. Select two this year, one from TB1, one from TB2 . The remaining two modules will be taken at year 2

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Conceptual Issues In the Theory and Practice of Social Sciences	20	September-January	PO-M32
The Policy Making Process	20	September-January	PO-M67
Comparative Governance in Complex Systems	20	September-January	PO-M87
Analysing Politics and International Relations	20	January-June	PO-M93

AND

Optional modules

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select one module from below

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Human rights, Humanitarian Intervention and Global Justice: Moral Problems International Politics.	20	January-June	PO-M37
The Global Governance of Drugs: Power, (geo)Politics and Narco-Diplomacy	20	January-June	PO-M69
Devolution in Comparative Perspective	20	January-June	PO-M89

Year 2 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You must take all four of the modules listed below over the course of the MA. Select two t TB1 modules this year (those not already taken at year 1)

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Conceptual Issues In the Theory and Practice of Social Sciences	20	September-January	PO-M32
The Policy Making Process	20	September-January	PO-M67
Comparative Governance in Complex Systems	20	September-January	PO-M87
Analysing Politics and International Relations	20	January-June	PO-M93

AND

Optional modules

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select one module from below

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Human rights, Humanitarian Intervention and Global Justice: Moral Problems International Politics.	20	January-June	PO-M37
The Global Governance of Drugs: Power, (geo)Politics and Narco-Diplomacy	20	January-June	PO-M69
Devolution in Comparative Perspective	20	January-June	PO-M89

Year 3 (Level 7D)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

Part- Two Dissertation

Choose Exactly 60 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students who successfully complete Part-1, progress to take the Part-2 module below

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Dissertation	60	September-June	PO-M25

Entry Requirements

The typical entry requirement is a degree in any background, normally a lower second (average 55 per cent) or above or equivalent. Overseas students are expected to possess an IELTS score of 6.5.

How You're Taught

The full-time course structure is split across the year with three modules taken in each academic semester (a total of six modules) and then a dissertation over the summer.

Students study four compulsory modules and two optional modules. The dissertation is written on a specialist research topic of the student's choosing.

Part-time study is available.

Welsh Provision

Some provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year. The Programme Director can outline to you what is available in Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Academic Mentor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

Meet Your Lecturers

Tuition Fees

MA 1 Year Full Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2021	£ 8,150	£ 17,850
September 2022	£ 8,400	£ 18,400

MA 2 Year Part Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2021	£ 4,050	£ 8,950
September 2022	£ 4,200	£ 9,200

MA 3 Year Part Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2021	£ 2,700	£ 5,950
September 2022	£ 2,800	£ 6,150

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

We care about our students and our aim is to ensure that you achieve the best degree classification. We have a personal mentoring system where you will be allocated an academic mentor. We also have an “open door” policy where our academic teachers are available to talk to you at any time about any queries or academic concerns you may have.

How to Apply

Please apply through the University’s central application system.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply for postgraduate study pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.