Digital Technologies and Policy MPA

About this degree

Leaders and decision-makers working at the interface of digital technologies and policy require a rigorous, multi-disciplinary understanding of how emerging digital technologies impact the global economy, national security, organisational resilience, individual freedoms and fundamental rights, employment, and critical sectors such as healthcare.

As a student on the MPA in Digital Technologies and Policy, you will develop a unique mix of technical and policy knowledge necessary to effectively assess these critical challenges. With guidance from academics and leading practitioners, you will gain a deep understanding of the political economy of Internet operations and platforms, from the physical infrastructure to the application layer, and how these dynamics continue to shape critical issues in digital technology policy such as encryption or the spread of misinformation online. Building on these foundations, you will explore the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks and initiatives designed to address the risks and uncertainties arising from the increasingly widespread use of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence or the Internet of Things. Throughout the programme, you will evaluate diverse viewpoints, using the latest research from across disciplines such as public policy, law, economics, psychology, and information security. You will also engage with leaders in digital technology and policy through guest lectures, symposia, and networking events.

Students on the MPA in Digital Technologies and Policy will have the opportunity to work with key organisational partners for their dissertation, as part of a group or individual project. Previous project partners include government departments, standards-making organisations, international not-for-profit organisations, digital rights advocacy groups, and industry. Over the course of the MPA, students also gain a deep understanding of conceptual frameworks and practical tools to assess, evaluate, and implement policies, through a series of core modules in public policy, evidence for decision-making, and analytical methods.

The Master's of Public Administration (MPA) in Digital Technologies and Policy at UCL offers an applied, interdisciplinary approach to contemporary challenges arising from emerging digital technologies. The programme’s unique socio-technical approach prepares future decision-makers in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to tackle complex digital technology policy issues like cybersecurity, data protection, algorithmic integrity and data quality, and consolidation in digital markets.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university in a relevant discipline or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Students are encouraged (but are not required) to have work experience prior to enrolling on this programme.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Alumni from this programme have found and pursued successful careers in the growing digital technologies and policy market. Some have joined graduate schemes in government or in top-tier technology companies. Others have gone on to work in international organisations, public agencies, NGOs, standards-making bodies, or technology trade associations. Some alumni have also established their own successful businesses.