PIR staff expertise
Politics and International Relations staff at the University of Aberdeen offer internationally renowned expertise in politics, public policy and multilevel governance.
Politics, Public Policy and Management (MSc)
Introduction
The MSc Politics, Public Policy and Management combines the expertise of the School of Social Science and the Business School to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for careers in politics and policymaking in government, business, third-sector organisations, the media, the research sector, finance, and international institutions.
You will gain a deep understanding of key political and economic issues at a national and global level, the processes of policy making, the limitations of public policy responses, and how to bring about good public policy. Apply today.
Through the increased globalisation of financial markets, and fundamental changes in societal and political relationships at all levels, the development and adaptation of public policy has become increasingly complex.
This MSc is delivered jointly by experts from the University of Aberdeen’s School of Social Science and Business School to provide a thorough grounding in the technical aspects of business management alongside a wider understanding of the public policy frameworks and tools used in addressing contemporary political issues.
In this programme you will develop a rigorous understanding of management theory, including business negotiations, managing change, and leadership. You will also gain the theoretical knowledge, frameworks and tools to analyse, evaluate and develop policy relating to key political contemporary issues and challenges including poverty, human rights, migration, climate change and energy transition.
You will explore how key actors, such as politicians, experts, corporate interests, campaign groups, the media, social movements, activists, and the public set the agenda and shape the development of public policy at various levels. You will consider how to bring about change, negotiate the development of successful public policy , and learn how policymaking can meet the challenges of modern multi-level governance in a rapidly changing world.
You will have the unique opportunity to study specialist courses on political issues like migration and climate change, and courses which consider how campaigns and movements apply pressure on political systems to change.
The MSc Politics, Public Policy and Management is suitable for students from a wide range of backgrounds, including politics, business, economics, international relations, law, and sociology, who seek to develop the skills necessary for a career in politics and public policy at local, national or international levels.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Politics, Public Policy and Management
- Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location
- Aberdeen
- Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January
- Location
- Aberdeen
Programme Fees
- UK
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- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £11,100
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
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University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £23,000
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £15,000
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The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fee Information
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Courses are assessed through essays, presentations, group and project work. The variety of assessment in the programme ensures that students apply theory to practice and become expert communicators and team players.
The degree of MSc shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CGS mark of D3 or above in Dissertation or Research Project in Politics and Public Policy, irrespective of their performance in other courses
Why Study Politics, Public Policy and Management?
- The Department of Politics and International Relations is part of the School of Social Science, which is widely recognised for its expertise and quality of teaching. We are ranked in the Global Top 200 for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
- The University of Aberdeen is also ranked 1st in the UK for Student Positivity in Business Studies (National Student Survey 2025) and Top 20 in the UK for Business, Management and Marketing (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).
- The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, only around 200 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
- Gain the theoretical knowledge, frameworks and tools to analyse, evaluate and develop policy relating to key political contemporary issues and challenges including poverty, human rights, migration, climate change diplomacy and the energy transition
- The core of the programme combines theoretical knowledge of public policy approaches and practical application through the study of important policy challenges facing the world today.
- Tailor your degree to your interests. A wide range of optional courses provide the opportunity to specialise in key political issues, movements for change, and campaign activism
- Assessments are diverse, with opportunity to study independently and with peers. The MSc programme includes completion of a dissertation, a piece of independent research on public policy
- You will be taught by experts from the School of Social Science and the Business School, gaining an interdisciplinary perspective on the technical aspects of business management and how contemporary international political and economic issues affect policymaking.
- Learn from a team of world-leading experts on Scottish, UK, and international politics. The University of Aberdeen is home to several research centres and institutes, including the Centre for Energy Transition; Centre for Global Development; the Centre for Global Security and Governance and more.
- In a recent Harvard Business Report, 76% of respondents identified skills such as communication, conflict management, and empathy as essential skills for the modern workforce. All of our postgraduate Business students develop these soft skills, valued by employers across sectors, with our Soft Skills Development Programme.
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2.2 standard from a recognised university or body.
Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.2 but with 2.2 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Careers
The MSc Politics, Public Policy and Management is an ideal programme for those who are interested in pursuing a career in politics and public policy at local, national or international levels.
Graduates of this programme will be well prepared for a career in various political and policy roles, including roles which require a comprehensive understanding of business management and negotiation skills.
Graduates may enter a range of careers such as the civil service, in international organisations, in research, media and consultancy work for private sector organisations, trade unions, charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Career Opportunities
- Civil Servant
- Community Relations Advisor
- Economic Analyst
- Government Official
- Media Communications and Journalism
- Policy Analyst
- Policy Manager
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Research Analyst
- Social Policy Advisor
Accreditation
The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, less than 300 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
Employability-conceptual knowledge, research skill
This programme combines conceptual knowledge and practical research skills, meeting the demands of modern employers in public and private sectors.
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinators
- Dr Lynn Bennie
- Professor Joanne McEvoy
- Other Expert
- Dr Elham Moonesirust
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Features
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX