Health, Technology and Public Policy MPA

About this degree

Health technologies and public policy tools can protect, strengthen and prepare countries to deal with emerging and persistent health challenges. Yet the successful implementation of these technologies and tools relies on a deep understanding of the ethical, scientific, policy, social and economic implications of their development and use. This MPA programme focuses on the public policy and public administration implications of health technologies (and vice-versa) enabling you to navigate the dynamic interface between health technologies, health innovations, health systems and public policy.

Taught at a global top 10 university (QS World University Rankings 2023), this programme is run by UCL Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) – a department founded on the principal that science, technology and engineering expertise are vital to tackling today’s most pressing global challenges. Throughout this programme, you will learn how to mobilise science, technology and engineering through policy. You will understand options for regulating fast-changing technology, get to grips with the role of technology in delivering healthcare, and develop the diplomacy to navigate stakeholder concerns and engage with the health sector, as well as science, technology, engineering and public audiences. A week-long policymaking scenario activity and a nine-month project on a policy challenge with a real-world client provide invaluable hands-on experience to cement this.

An applied degree that is unique among the health-related postgraduate programmes at UCL through its multidisciplinary, experiential learning approach, the Health, Technology and Public Policy MPA will enable you to shape health delivery systems in the current context of rapid technological and epidemiological change.

The Health, Technology and Public Policy MPA brings together critical concepts that enable you to understand the impact of health technologies and health innovations. Taught at UCL by established health, technology and policy experts and practitioners, this programme gives future decision-makers in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors the skills and knowledge needed to influence public policy to make healthcare better for all.

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.

As a graduate of this programme, you will have the skills needed to work in any organisation that brings together science with policy. In particular, you will have a solid ability to evaluate and apply science, technology and engineering knowledge for public policy and decision-making concerning healthcare systems. Graduates will have the ability to thrive in legislative, regulatory or policy analysis work. Strong communication skills to engage on interdisciplinary topics with a variety of stakeholders are beneficial for a number of sectors and workplaces.