MSc Political Economy and Public Policy

OVERVIEW

Just as political economy offers a window into the real world of economic activity, public policy provides the tools for shaping and influencing that activity – at a local, national and international level. For anyone looking ahead to a future in policy making, it’s a powerful combination.

This masters course offers the chance to develop an advanced insight into today’s political, social and economic issues, together with the policy-focused experience and research skills essential for understanding and creating the kind of public policy that touches lives and livelihoods. You will learn the process of crafting a response to a whole range of major issues, from economic development and productivity, to climate change, disruptive technology and new forms of inequality.

Whether you have just graduated – in politics, economics, geography, social policy or similar – or you’re already working in policy development, our course offers the chance to take the next step. Because, as well as exploring theories around economic geography, local governance and the welfare state, you’ll also get a practical perspective. You will learn from leading practitioners, covering the realities of policy-making institutions and processes, while you can even choose to take on a placement to gain experience of your own.

Put simply, this is a course with a real focus on professional impact – equipping you for a career in public policy or academic research.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Experts in political economy and policy – learn from world-leading scholars of political and economic life – with vast experience in public policy practice.
• Innovative teaching – explore a blend of political economy, public policy and research methods, all rooted in the expertise of our Economics, Political Economy and Public Policy centre of excellence.
• Real-world focus – our placement opportunities offer the chance to hone your policy and research skills in a real professional environment.
• Triple accredited – our Business School holds the globally recognised trio of accreditations from EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA, placing us among the best business schools in the world.
• Location – Manchester boasts one of the largest financial services economies in Europe, putting renowned companies and a community of financial professionals on your doorstep.
• Future Economies – study alongside a team of high-profile scholars from our research centre, conducting high-impact research in partnership with a variety of public, private and voluntary sector bodies.
• Career support - throughout your studies, we’ll help you boost your employability and secure graduate employment through our Careers and Employability Service. Opportunities to advance your career in policy and research are built into the programme.