What is a master of public policy?

Are you considering a change in career and want to know more about a master of public policy? Knowing what the course entails can be tricky, especially if you have not completed a postgraduate course before. But it doesn’t need to be. Today, we will guide you through a public policy course, helping you to decide if it is the right course for you and your career goals. 

What is a master of public policy?

A master of public policy is a postgraduate course that provides you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in future roles. The course helps you learn about report writing, briefings, research, policy planning, and stakeholder management, all the skills you need for a public policy role. These skills also help with a wider variety of roles, helping you to find the perfect role for you. 

The course is offered full-time and part-time, allowing you to fit the course around your studies. You can expect the course to take two years to complete, where you will work towards the following learning outcomes: 

• Grow and apply your knowledge of public policy across the public realm, learning how to address critical and complex issues across the public sector
• Gain the ability to address dynamic and pressing policy challenges across departments, disciplines, sectors and levels of government 
• Learn how to analyse and understand relevant data analyses and fundamental economic modelling and how to apply these to policy-making 
• Develop critical skills like communication, co-design, and leadership to drive policy impact across a variety of issues 

The course is broken into twelve units. The titles of these units can vary depending on your course provider, but they will cover most of the same content. You can expect your unit titles to look like: 

• Applied policy report 
• Communicating policy expertise 
• Co-design and deliberative engagement 
• Contemporary policy issues 
• Data analytics and public policy 
• Equity, leadership and policy 
• Evidence-based policy analysis 
• Foundations of public policy 
• Leadership, risk and managing change 
• Policy analysis and evaluation
• Public policy governance and law 
• Public policy research project 

What can I do with a master of public policy?

After completing your master of public policy, you have many career paths you can choose from. Many graduates find themselves in the following roles: 

• Director of policy 
• Director of strategy and governance 
• Head of department 
• Policy lead
• Policy and research manager 

A master of public policy is designed for professionals aiming to work in government, non-government, intelligence, health, or social skills. The course will also provide you with the critical skills to move into research and design roles, especially those where you can create and evaluate policies. A master of public policy gives you the flexibility to move into a different role or progress into higher-paid roles in your sector. The course shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge for senior roles. 

Should I study a master of public policy online or in person?

Master of public policy courses are offered in person and online. Deciding whether to study online or in person is a personal decision, and you need to carefully consider which option is right for you. Studying a master of public policy online is a great option for many students, coming with the flexibility to study at a time that suits them, with access to their resources and support. It is the perfect option for many students, especially those working or with caring responsibilities. 

However, studying online does have some drawbacks, such as its isolating nature. Students who like to engage with other students and learn collaboratively might struggle with online learning and prefer in-person learning. Studying a public policy course in person allows you to collaborate with other students, which can enhance the learning experience. Studying in person tends to be the more expensive option, and it does not come with the same level of flexibility. 

Consider all of these factors carefully and your lifestyle to determine whether studying online or in person is the right choice for you. Whether you study online or in-person, you can expect to gain the skills and experience to thrive in a public policy role. 

Find your public policy course today 

A master of public policy allows you to move into a new career. Studying the course online allows you to move into a career without needing to leave your home. Online courses provide the flexibility that you need to help you to achieve your goals, so what are you waiting for? Start your course today!

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