This exciting programme seeks to understand how policy is formulated within this evolving and dynamic context by drawing on the core concepts of policy analysis and theories of policy change.
Discover a flexible curriculum designed to fuel your intellectual curiosity and career ambitions. Our diverse module options, including placement pathways, empower you to chart your own course.
Our dynamic programme equips you with advanced insights into policy-making across local and global contexts. Through six core modules, a customisable curriculum and a 12,000-word dissertation, you'll gain essential skills to address complex issues like migration and poverty, with options for practical experience through a placement module. This course will run over 12 months in full-time mode. However, the programme can also be undertaken on a part-time basis.
There are also two placement pathways:
Our dynamic programme equips with advanced insights into policy-making across local and global contexts. Through six core modules, a customisable curriculum and a 12,000-word dissertation, you'll gain essential skills to address complex issues like migration and poverty.
This programme includes three elements. Six taught modules (from the list below) are taken during the first year. In the second year, you will complete a 12,000-word dissertation on a social policy subject of your choice and undertake a 20-week work-based experience in a local public, private or third-sector organisation.
This programme combines four taught modules (from the list above) with an opportunity for an eight-week work-based placement in a local public, private or third-sector organisation. The modules are taken during the Autumn and Spring Terms, with the work placement starting in March and continuing until the end of the Summer Term in June.
Our Global Public Policy Masters degree is taught by experts who contribute to a vibrant research culture. This means you’ll build a broad range of skills and experience, all in massive demand among employers. At Birmingham, we’re ranked 8th for Social Policy (Complete University Guide, 2025), with our specialist leading academics driving all of our teaching and research.
Complete University Guide 2025
Teaching and learning take place in various forms, including traditional lectures, interactive lectures, small group seminars, and computer lab-based sessions.
The course comprises of a series of taught core and optional modules.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken for the full-time MA:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| LM Global Policy Institutions and Networks | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Policy Futures: Theories and Concepts in International Policymaking | 20 | Semester 1 |
80 credits from the list below or other CoSS modules with the School’s agreement:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Applied Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Crime and Justice in a Globalised World | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Crime and Social Harm | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Environment, Policy, and Society | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Financial Wellbeing and Inclusion: a Social Policy Perspective | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Global Health Systems and Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Globalisation, International Migration and Citizenship | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Migration, Superdiversity, Policy and Practice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Philosophies of Welfare: creating new societies? | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Policy Evaluation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Policing the Crisis: An introduction to Stuart Hall and Cultural Studies | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Poverty, Wealth & Inequality | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Social Research and Analysis Skills | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Sociology of race and racism | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Transforming Identities | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Transforming Societies | 20 | Semester 1 |
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Global Policy Institutions and Networks | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Policy Futures: Theories and Concepts in International Policymaking | 20 | Semester 1 |
80 credits from the list below or other CoSS modules with the School’s agreement:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Climate Justice and Social Policy | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Crime and Justice in a Globalised World | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Crime and Social Harm | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Global Health Systems and Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Globalisation, International Migration and Citizenship | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Migration, Superdiversity, Policy and Practice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Philosophies of Welfare: creating new societies? | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Policy Evaluation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Poverty, Wealth & Inequality | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Sociology of race and racism | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Transforming Identities | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Transforming Societies | 20 | Semester 1 |
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| Policy Into Practice Placement | 90 | Full Term |
For entry onto this programme, applicants must have a 2:1 Honours degree. For applicants with non-UK qualifications, we will apply an equivalent assessment to ensure that your academic background meets the required standard.
International applicants will be required to hold an IELTs of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification.
Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
The second year fee for Global Public Policy with Integrated placement is £4,500
For PGDip the fee is £7,500 (full-time and placement)
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
The programme is designed for those who intend to pursue a range of policy-related careers within local, regional, or global policy making institutions. It will equip you to work across a number of policy domains. The course aims to equip you with the policy analysis skills necessary to examine and evaluate policy outcomes alongside a broader range of social research methods required to research substantive policy issues.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
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Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
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