MA Public Policy

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Kings College London

Program Overview

The MA Public Policy at King’s College London is designed for students who want to understand how real-world policies are shaped, debated and implemented across governments and institutions. It suits those interested in public service, international organisations, think tanks or advocacy roles, and focuses on analysing policy challenges using evidence, comparison and critical reasoning.

Curriculum structure:

In the early part of the programme, you build a strong foundation in how public policy works, studying core modules such as The Policy Process and Comparative Public Policy, which introduce you to policy design, decision-making structures and institutional frameworks. These modules help you understand how political, economic and social forces influence policy outcomes.

As the course progresses, you deepen your expertise by choosing optional modules such as Evaluating Public Policy or Designing Public Policy, allowing you to tailor the degree to your interests. The programme culminates in a research-based dissertation, where you independently investigate a policy issue and apply analytical methods in a practical, real-world context.

Focus areas (in a string):
Public policy analysis, governance and institutions, comparative policy studies, evidence-based decision making

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Policy analysis skills, critical evaluation of public decisions, research competence, applied policy design

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Practice-oriented programme informed by policy practitioners, guest speakers and applied research projects

Reputation (employability rankings):
King’s College London consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities, with strong graduate outcomes in politics, policy and social sciences according to global rankings such as QS

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At King’s, learning public policy goes beyond theory. Students regularly engage with current policy debates through applied coursework, interaction with practitioners, and independent research, all supported by King’s central London location — close to government departments, NGOs and international organisations. Access to extensive libraries, digital databases and research support ensures students develop strong practical and analytical skills.

This hands-on approach is strengthened through:

Optional project placements, allowing students to work with public sector bodies, NGOs or policy-focused organisations
Guest lectures and policy events led by professionals working in government, think tanks and international institutions
Independent dissertation research, enabling in-depth exploration of a real policy challenge
Access to King’s Libraries & Collections, including specialist social science databases and policy resources
Full use of King’s digital learning platforms and research tools for policy analysis and data work

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA Public Policy are well-prepared for roles that require strong analytical, research and decision-making skills, with alumni progressing into careers such as Public Policy Analyst, Government or Parliamentary Advisor, Research Consultant, and Programme Officer in international organisations.

This progression is supported through:

King’s Careers & Employability service, offering career coaching, employer events and application support
Strong links to policy institutions and organisations through guest speakers and placement opportunities
The programme’s emphasis on transferable skills valued across government, NGOs and consultancy
King’s global reputation, which enhances graduate credibility in competitive policy environments

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may continue into doctoral research (PhD) or advanced academic study in public policy, political economy, governance or related social science disciplines, either at King’s College London or other leading research universities worldwide.

Additional Information & Requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

IELTS: 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each skill

TOEFL: An overall score of 100 (with at least 25 in writing and 23 in other skills) for tests taken before 21 January 2026, or an overall score of 105 with a minimum of 4.5 in each skill for tests taken from 21 January 2026 (Institution code: 0394).

Applicants with a lower degree classification or an unrelated degree may still be considered if they have significant relevant work experience or a related postgraduate qualification (such as a Master’s or PGDip).

Applicants with a degree or professional qualification and at least three years of experience in government or NGO service may also be eligible.

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% (or an ongoing average of 60% or above if currently studying) under the UK marking scheme is required.

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