Politics, Governance and Public Policy MA

Western Bank, Sheffield,, United Kingdom

Shortlist

# 51-100QS Subject Rankings

12 monthsProgram duration

24,950 GBPTuition Fee/year

YesScholarships

Program overview

Main Subject

Politics

Degree

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

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.

If this sounds like you, and you’re fascinated by the questions of how policy is governed and what policymakers can achieve, then this is the degree for you.

Program overview

Main Subject

Politics

Degree

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

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?

Cambridge CAE Advanced

176+

PTE Academic

61+

TOEFL

88+

IELTS

6.5+

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject.

Program Duration

1 Year

Starting Month(s)

Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

Tuition Fee
Scholarships

Domestic Students

Tuition Fee/year

11,340 GBP

Tuition Fee (Out of State)

International Students

Tuition Fee/year

24,950 GBP

Other Expenses

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

Download Scholarship Guide

More programs from the university

The University of Sheffield offers undergraduate courses in a range of subject areas including arts and humanities, business, engineering, law, medicine, dentistry and health, science and social sciences.

Whatever subjects’ students choose to study at the university, they will be taught and supervised by world-leading teachers, researchers and practitioners. Academic staff at the university are experts in their fields, and in the latest Research Excellence Framework 92% percent of Sheffield’s research was rated as internationally recognised, excellent or world-leading. As a Russell Group university, teaching is driven by our research expertise Sheffield is ranked:

Top university in the Russell Group for student experience and student support and joint 10th in the UK for best university in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025.
Top 20 in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
Top 20 in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

During their time at Sheffield, students are encouraged to manage their own time to build upon vital organisational skills and prepare for the world of work. In addition to becoming specialists in their chosen subject, students will develop their problem-solving, research, analytical, team working, and leadership skills, as well as increasing their confidence, and becoming resilient and adaptable.

You could study or work abroad, do international research, attend a summer school at one of our partner universities or learn a language. You can even combine all of these. We offer a range of scholarships for many of our global activities. We offer additional support for international students who want to find work in the UK, overseas or in your home country.

Arts and Humanities (6)

Architecture BA

English Language and Linguistics BA

English Language and Literature BA

English Literature BA

History BA

Landscape Architecture BA

View All

Business and Management (6)

Accounting and Financial Management BA

Business Management BA

Economics BA

Economics BSc

Economics with Finance BSc

Engineering and Technology (6)

Aerospace Engineering (Private Pilot Instruction ) BEng

Aerospace Engineering (Private Pilot Instruction) MEng

Aerospace Engineering BEng

Aerospace Engineering MEng

Architectural Engineering MEng

Chemical Engineering BEng

View All

Life Sciences and Medicine (6)

Biochemistry BSc

Biological Sciences BSc

Biological Sciences MBiolSci

Biomedical Science BSc

Biomedical Science MBiomedSci

Dental Surgery BDS

View All

Natural Sciences (6)

Chemistry BSc

Chemistry MChem

Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry BSc

Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry MChem

Environmental Science BSc

Environmental Science MEnvSci

View All

Social Sciences and Management (6)

Applied Social Sciences BA

Chinese Studies BA

Criminology BA

Digital Media and Society BA

East Asian Studies BA

International Relations and Politics BA

View All

A degree from Sheffield will be recognised and valued by employers all over the world. Academic staff at the university are experts in their fields, and in the latest Research Excellence Framework, 92% percent of Sheffield’s research was rated as internationally recognised, excellent or world-leading. As a Russell Group university, teaching is driven by our research expertise and Sheffield is ranked:

Top university in the Russell Group for student experience and student support and joint 10th in the UK for best university in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025.
Top 20 in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
Top 20 in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

We offer postgraduate taught courses in a range of disciplines including arts and humanities, business, engineering, law, medicine, dentistry and health, science and social sciences. The university works closely with business, industry, the arts, government and non-governmental organisations to make sure you develop the skills you need.

Our approach to teaching reflects the real world. We’ll show you how to manage your own work and there are opportunities to work in teams and develop leadership qualities. You’ll learn about new and emerging fields of study, technology and practices. Most importantly, you’ll gain a perspective on the real world implications, such as complex ethical debates surrounding developments in your specialist field.

Western Bank, Sheffield,, United Kingdom

# 51-100QS Subject Rankings

12 monthsProgram duration

24,950 GBPTuition Fee/year

YesScholarships

Program overview

Main Subject

Degree

Study Level

Study Mode

Program overview

Main Subject

Degree

Study Level

Study Mode

Admission requirements

Exam Scores

Important Dates

Tuition fee and scholarships

Tuition Fee

Scholarships

Domestic Students

International Students

In this guide you will find:

QS WUR Ranking By Subject

More programs from the university

Bachelor UG

Master PG

MBA

Architecture BA

English Language and Linguistics BA

English Language and Literature BA

English Literature BA

History BA

Landscape Architecture BA

Landscape Architecture BSc

Modern Languages and Cultures BA

Philosophy BA

Philosophy, Religion and Ethics BA

Urban Studies BA

Urban Studies and Planning MPlan(UG)

Accounting and Financial Management BA

Business Management BA

Economics BA

Economics BSc

Economics with Finance BSc

Aerospace Engineering (Private Pilot Instruction ) BEng

Aerospace Engineering (Private Pilot Instruction) MEng

Aerospace Engineering BEng

Aerospace Engineering MEng

Architectural Engineering MEng

Chemical Engineering BEng

Chemical Engineering MEng

Civil Engineering BEng

Civil Engineering MEng

Civil and Structural Engineering MEng

Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) MComp

Computer Science BSc

Computer Science MComp

Computer Systems Engineering BEng

Computer Systems Engineering MEng

Data Science BSc

Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng

Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng

General Engineering BEng (Hons)

Mechanical Engineering BEng

Mechanical Engineering MEng

Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering BEng

Biochemistry BSc

Biological Sciences BSc

Biological Sciences MBiolSci

Biomedical Science BSc

Biomedical Science MBiomedSci

Dental Surgery BDS

Graduate Entry Medicine MBChB

Medicine MBChB

Nursing (Adult) BMedSci

Psychology BSc

Speech and Language Therapy BMedSci

Zoology BSc