Government, Policy and Society (MA)

Introducing MA Government, Policy and Society

Our Government, Policy and Society programme is designed for students interested in:

• the content of public policy
• the process by which policy is made
• the impact of policy on society

Decision-making in government

You will examine how politicians and civil servants make decisions and how they are restricted by resource constraints, such as:

• developments in the global economy
• market forces and existing institutions

Shaping social policies

You will explore how crucial areas of social policy are shaped, such as:

• health
• education
• inequality
• welfare
• employment

You will study the relationship between government and society, and explore the ways in which various non-governmental actors try to influence policy. You will also engage with the core debates on how to develop societies positively that divide political opinion.

This programme makes use of interdisciplinary learning to help you understand the interactions of multiple levels of government in the policy process.

Examining social sciences

You will engage with core concepts from diverse social science disciplines such as:

• political science
• social policy
• sociology
• economics
• public administration

You can then specialise in the specific policy areas that interest you.

Why Edinburgh?

Our expertise spans Scotland, the UK, the European Union, and international governments, as well as the connections between these levels. Learning about the workings of government and the development of policy in Edinburgh, the capital of a powerful sub-state, is a highly enriching experience. The University is on the doorstep of one of the most powerful sub-national governments and parliaments in the world. We are deeply embedded in a very open and vibrant public policy community.

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAB by end of S5 or AAAA by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: AAA.
• IB: 37 points with 666 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

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.

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

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

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 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 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

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 degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

This programme opens up many exciting career pathways. Our graduates are well equipped to enter jobs in:

• the government
• the civil service
• third-sector organisations
• business, whether national or international

We ensure this through emphasis on:

• the development of critical thinking skills
• our commitment to rigorous methodological training

Our focus on analytical and research skills, and content knowledge, will make you a strong asset to many different organisations.

Many of our graduates have been successful in achieving high impact in their fields of work in national and international settings. Many also succeed in research after completing high-profile masters and PhD programmes.