The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a one-year full-time degree taught at our Colchester campus, just an hour from London, with January and October entry points.
You’ll graduate ready to analyse, design, and deliver policies that drive impact in government, NGOs, and global institutions.
Why this course
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) gives you the skills and confidence to turn evidence into action, so you can tackle real political and social challenges.
You will develop advanced analytical and methodological skills that are highly valued across government, NGOs, think tanks, and global firms, preparing you to succeed in a wide variety of professional contexts. You will be learning directly from experts who advise policymakers worldwide, so you can gain insider insight into how policy decisions are made at the highest level.
You will apply these skills to urgent issues - health, education, taxation, the environment - preparing you to design and evaluate policies that deliver meaningful impact. By graduation, you will have the credibility, versatility, and insight to influence decisions and advance your career across sectors worldwide.
Who should apply
- Graduates in sociology, politics, economics, or social sciences, ready to tackle real-world policy challenges
- Professionals seeking sharper skills in policy analysis and leadership
- Future advisors, civil servants, and advocates aiming to shape national or global decisions
- Ambitious researchers preparing for doctoral study in politics or public policy
What you’ll learn
- Policy design and implementation: Understand how policies are formulated, executed, and evaluated in practice
- Political and institutional dynamics: Analyse the role of governments, interest groups, and civil society in shaping policy outcomes
- Data and analytic skills: Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to support evidence-based decision-making
- Sectoral expertise: Explore key policy areas such as education, health, the environment, and taxation
- Global perspective: Compare approaches to public policy across countries and develop insights for international contexts
Your learning experience
- Start in January or October and tailor your degree with core and optional modules
- Build hands-on skills through workshops, case studies, and applied research projects
- Learn from experts who advise governments, NGOs, and international organisations
- Access specialist facilities including computer labs, political analysis software, and a behavioural science laboratory
Careers and outcomes
A Master in Public Policy (MPP) prepares you for roles across sectors, including:
- Government and civil service: Policy advisors, analysts, civil servants, public service leaders
- International organisations and NGOs: Programme officers, advocacy specialists, development practitioners
- Think tanks and research institutes: Policy researchers, data analysts, evidence-based consultants
- Consultancy and private sector: Public affairs consultants, lobbying specialists, corporate responsibility advisors
- Business and industry: Public policy managers, regulatory affairs specialists, compliance advisors
Employers of our graduates
Graduates from the Department of Government have held influential roles across government, international organisations, and public service, including:
- UK Civil Service (Home Office, Foreign Commonwealth Development Office)
- House of Commons
- NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)
- Office for National Statistics