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Politics, Governance and Public Policy MA

University of Sheffield

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University of Sheffield

Course options

2 options available

  • Qualification

    MA - Master of Arts

  • Location

    Main Site

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    28-SEP-26

  • Duration

    1 Year

Course summary

This course helps you answer these questions at every level of governance where political authority is exercised, from the very smallest local authority to large international organisations. It balances state-of-the-art academic theory with real-world practice to prepare you for working in the world of policymaking. On this course you'll explore the complexity of contemporary governance. You will examine its effects on the policymaking process, the multiplicity of actors involved in it, the powers they have to affect it and the constraints under which they operate.You'll be guided by expert academic staff who specialise in governance and public policy. Together, you will address the following questions:What can different kinds of policymakers, operating in different governing contexts, actually achieve?How does global development policy designed at the UN or the World Bank influence on-the-ground practice in recipient countries?Why are more and more public governance functions taken on by private actors, and who wins and loses from this process?Where should governing authority for particular policies be located between the sub-national, national and international level?What theories and concepts can we utilise to help us better understand these processes?This degree attracts a hugely diverse student body. Some students may have already studied politics and public policy previously and want to further their knowledge. Others have come from other social science backgrounds and wish to specialise, while bringing knowledge and theory from an alternate academic perspective.We also welcome students with no academic experience in the subject, who might have experience working in a diverse array of sectors such as the military, petrochemicals or financial risk compliance, and wish to further their knowledge of how and why the public policy process functions in the way that it does.

Application deadline

04/09/2026

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 26,320per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of Sheffield

University of Sheffield

  • University League Table

    16th

  • Campus address

    Main Site, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, United Kingdom

VIEW PROFILE
Pathway programmes are available to help students with English as a second language and different educational backgrounds prepare for their academic career.
With nearly 11,000 international students, Sheffield is a diverse, welcoming city that's celebrated for its safety and strong sense of community and culture.
The university offers a range of scholarships for high-achieving international students who demonstrate excellent academic potential.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    Business & Management Stu

    25th out of 123 4

    9th out of 74 12

  • Entry standards

    / Max 217
    138 64%

    37th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    81.0 81%

    23rd

    1

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    2.99 75%

    93rd

    12

  • Entry standards

    / Max 217
    153 70%

    23rd

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    84.0 84%

    7th

    17

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.09 77%

    41st

    15

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