MA International Public Policy

Course prospectus hero image

Key information

Degree

MA International Public Policy

Types of study

Full time

Duration

12 months full-time

Start date

September each year

Faculty

International Studies / Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Entry requirements

Course Requirements: Open to graduates of any subjects. This master's programme requires students to have a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from a recognised institution at the same standard as a UK university's 2:1 (upper second class honours degree or international equivalent).

English Language Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have a degree from a UK institution, are required to have the following English language qualifications before they can register for an academic programme:

  • IELTS: 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element) or 
  • PTE Academic: 71 (minimum 65) or
  • TOEFL (IBT): 90 (minimum 19 in writing and listening, 22 in reading and 22 in speaking)

Course overview

Are you ready to solve complex global and national challenges and drive meaningful change? Whether you are a fresh graduate or seeking to upskill, this programme equips you with expansive critical knowledge, theoretical and practical skill sets empowering you to lead with confidence, solve complex problems and enact positive change.

The International Public Policy programme introduces you to cutting-edge studies in Public Policy, equipping students with an understanding of contemporary public policy issues and practices from an international perspective. Students will develop the ability to think across disciplines, learn from practitioners and experts in the field, and develop an independent portfolio of projects including an original dissertation.

Highlights of this programme:

  • Applied social sciences approach with strong vocational orientation
  • Interdisciplinary structure
  • 1-year postgraduate programme in China that prepares students to become both policy practitioners and global leaders
  • Suitable for both fresh graduates and mid-career professionals
  • Taught by academic experts including practitioners in the field
  • Small class sizes that enable personalised learning experience
  • Develop advanced skills in policy evaluation, decision-making simulation, and producing policy reports, briefs, scenarios, and implementable recommendations

Course structure

The MA in International Public Policy is a one-year programme (twelve full months). Students are required to complete 180 credits to graduate, consisting of 60 credits per semester, plus 60 credits for the dissertation.

Year 1 modules

+

Please note that the programme specifications for the academic year 2026/27 are still being finalised. In the meantime, the 2025/26 version can be used as a reference. Updates will be provided once the final version is available.

ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-2026

Compulsory

Students must take all modules in this group.

Code

Title

Credits

Taught

INTS4113

Fundamentals in public policy

20

Autumn

INTS4114

Public Sector Ethics

10

Autumn

INTS4013

Research Methods

20

Spring

INTS4112

Comparative Public Administration

20

Spring

INTS4010

Dissertation

60

Summer

Restricted - Group 1

Students should take a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 40 credits from this group.

Code

Title

Credits

Taught

INTS4121

Welfare States

20

Autumn

INTS4111

Business, government and public policy

20

Spring

INTS4118

International Institutions and Networks

20

Spring

Restricted - Group 2

Students should take a minimum of 10 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from this group.

Code

Title

Credits

Taught

BUSI4548

Project Management

10

Autumn

BUSI4598

Managing People

20

Autumn

BUSI4531

Transnational Human Resource Management

20

Spring

BUSI4549

Strategies for Corporate Social Responsibility

10

Spring

Please note that the structure of this degree and its modules may be subject to change.

Careers and further study

This programme positions graduates for employment in:

  • Major international organisations (UN, IMF, World Bank)
  • Local and national government agencies
  • Multinational corporations (both Chinese and foreign)
  • Public-policy think tanks and other policy-oriented institutions
  • Civil service sector
  • Private firms and state companies dealing with rapid policy changes
  • Organisations requiring expertise in policy analysis and implementation

Our Careers Development Service will work with you to explore your options. They will invite you to attend recruitment events featuring potential employers, and will suggest further opportunities, such as relevant work experience placements and skills workshops.

Fees

Chinese Mainland students

120,000 RMB / year

China's Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan students

120,000 RMB / year

International students

130,000 RMB / year

Scholarships, sponsorships and bursaries

To encourage academic excellence, we offer a comprehensive and expanding range of full and partial scholarships.

Please click here and find more information about scholarships.

More information

Contact us

Student Recruitment and Admission Office

University of Nottingham Ningbo China
199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China

E. admissions@nottingham.edu.cn
T. +86 (0574) 8818 0182
W.


Faculty Office of Humanities and Social Sciences

Room 306, Innovation and Enterprise Building (IEB)
University of Nottingham Ningbo China
199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China

E. FHSS@nottingham.edu.cn
W.


Ready to apply? Browse our how to apply page to find out more on how to prepare and submit your application.