Comparative Public Policy MSc

The MSc Comparative Public Policy provides intensive analytical training in the systematic comparison of social and public policies from an international perspective.

It helps develop substantive knowledge in a wide range of policy fields around topical issues such as:

• policy evaluation
• policy learning
• policy transfer

Amid the ongoing global public policy challenges, we offer the ideal environment in which to observe contemporary public policy developments and learn from diverse international experiences.

What will I learn?

You’ll focus on variation in national policy patterns within and beyond Europe, with a view to understanding how and why nations differ in their social and public policies and what they can learn from each other’s experience in key contemporary policy concerns, including:

• labour market
• work-life balance
• health
• social care
• inequality and welfare issues
• education policy
• child-oriented policy and practice

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, preferably in a social science or other relevant discipline.

Entrance to this programme is competitive. You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements. Relevant work experience is not required but may increase your chances of acceptance.

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

This degree is highly relevant to anyone who works or intends to work in policy-relevant professions in the public, private or non-governmental sectors.

It will provide you with a recognised qualification that can lead to an enhanced range of employment opportunities and further study.

Graduates have gone on to work as professionals in:

• the civil service of various national governments
• international agencies
• social research
• NGOs
• local government
• other public and private sector bodies, both locally and internationally

You will develop a range of highly transferable skills, such as communication and project management, which can be applied to roles in any field.

A survey of previous graduates of the MSc in Policy Studies and the MSc in Comparative Public Policy found that, within six months, graduates had gone on to employment in:

• the Scottish Executive
• social research
• a housing association
• local government
• other public and private sector bodies