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.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
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 Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost UK Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 EU / International students Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000 Stage 1
Compulsory Courses
- Research Practice (BU5583)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to what is involved in undertaking business research in practice. Within lectures, tutorials and workshops students will develop an understanding of: Information retrieval and critical analysis; Philosophical issues in the construction of knowledge; Accessing and gathering quantitative and qualitative data; Data analysis; Student/Supervisor expectations.
- Managing Change (BU555A)
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15 Credit Points
The concepts of change and innovation have never been more topical, especially given the commercial context of fierce business competition, shorter product life cycles and more demanding customers. Increasingly, long-term commercial success is based on an ability to manage change, to act creatively and to promote innovation; These processes interconnect and overlap and often present major challenges to modern organizations; We address these issues through providing detailed case illustrations ranging from the workplace to the wider business market. Learning is encouraged through interaction, reading, investigation, video and case analysis, and critical discussion.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)
-
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Optional Courses
In addition, students will choose one of the following (30 credit points each)
- PI5535 US Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
- PI5541 The Political Psychology of Climate Change
- PI5592 Far Right in Europe
- SL5512 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Social Science
- US Foreign Policy and Diplomacy (PI5535)
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30 Credit Points
As a global superpower, how the US conducts itself in international affairs is both incredibly visible and has become a standard by which to judge successes and failures in this realm. By examining the development of US Foreign Policy through specific eras we can begin to judge the impact and effectiveness of their diplomatic practices.
- The Political Psychology of Climate Change (PI5541)
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30 Credit Points
This course investigates issues at the intersection of politics, psychology, and climate change. It aims to develop the knowledge and skills of student to apply a political psychological analysis to global climate politics. It considers factors such as how personality, beliefs, perceptions, emotions, and identity impacts environmental issues.
- The Far Right in Europe (PI5592)
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30 Credit Points
The course will analyse a political phenomenon which is growing across Europe. It will cover political parties as well as extra-parliamentary movements and online activities. Key concepts such as fascism, racism and populism will be covered, as well as voting patterns, ideologies, campaign strategies and theoretical approaches. The course will be beneficial to future study and work in a wide range of areas and contexts, with relevance to integration, internationalisation and social cohesion.
- Advanced Quantitative Methods in Social Science (SL5512)
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30 Credit Points
All researchers need to understand quantitative research, not only those who carry it out themselves. Everyone comes across quantitative research in literature reviews and even in the press. In this course students will acquire an understanding of the most common quantitative methods they are likely to use or come across in published social science research. The module will encompass different types of quantitative study and address issues such as when quantitative methods are appropriate, how quantitative questions are formulated, research design, sampling (both online and offline), scale construction, reliability and validity and ethical practices in quantitative research and design.
Stage 2
Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation / Research Project in Politics and Public Policy (PI5910)
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60 Credit Points
The dissertation allows students to study the effectiveness of integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the MSc Politics and Public Policy programme to enhance their abilities to analyse and evaluate public policy. As a compulsory element of the degree, the dissertation seeks to assess the impact of the programme's theoretical frameworks and optional courses on students' capacity to engage critically with public policy issues in diverse contexts.
Stage 3
Compulsory Courses
Students must take the following courses:
- PI5038 Approaches to Public Policy (30 credit points)
- BU501H The Leadership Challenge (15 credit points)
- BU5072 Negotiation and Cross-Cultural Management (15 credit points)
- Approaches to Public Policy (PI5042)
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30 Credit Points
This course provides an overview of the main frameworks and theories applied to the study of public policy, along with practical examples of their application. It aims to introduce students to the systematic study of public policy, as well as to bring to them a range of empirical cases that illustrate the approaches in the field.
- The Leadership Challenge (BU501H)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides an opportunity to explore and develop an understanding of your own leadership behaviour. Through workshops, group activities and discussions we investigate how personality, past experience, current situations and culture shape the way each of us behave in a leadership role. Using this information as a starting point we then explore how different leadership theories and approaches can be used as frameworks for developing a deeper understanding of leadership behaviour. You will also have an opportunity to try out a range of practical tools and techniques to assist you in the development of your own approach to leadership.
- Negotiation and Cross - Cultural Management (BU5072)
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15 Credit Points
Business cannot be conducted without some form of communication between the participants involved. This course examines a wide variety of different types of interpersonal communication in different types of business contexts and, by so doing, provides students with a detailed and practical overview of this vitally important subject area.
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost UK Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 EU / International students Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000
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 starting in September 2025 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
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.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEnglish 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
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
On-campus learning
Study on a campus that has helped shape the modern world. Since 1495 we've continued to add and innovate, growing our campus to an ideal blend of old and new. Explore the historic King's Quad, study in the modern Sir Duncan Rice Library, and more.
World-class facilities
We invest heavily in our facilities and learning resources, ensuring our students have access to everything they need to help them succeed in their studies - from the stunning Sir Duncan Rice Library, to Aberdeen Sport Village, and beyond.
Find out more
International community
We are a Scottish university that was founded with international connections. Our community of 3,600 staff and over 14,000 students includes more than 130 nationalities, which enriches our teaching, research, and students' experiences.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX