MA International Public Policy

Key information

Degree

Types of study

Full time

Duration

12 months full-time

Start date

September 2025

Faculty

International Studies / Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Entry requirements

Course Requirements: Open to graduates of any subject. This master 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 on 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
Only 1-year PG 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 enables personalised learning experience
Develops 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. Students must successfully complete the taught components before progressing to the dissertation.

Compulsory modules:

Fundamentals in Public Policy
Research Methods
Comparative Public Administration
Public Sector Ethics
Dissertation

Restricted modules: you will choose from a variety of optional modules delivered from the School of International Studies, or Nottingham University Business School China.

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.