Our MSc Policy Analysis & Global Governance equips you with an understanding of contemporary policy challenges – such as climate change, human rights, health inequalities, terrorism and migration – within a national and global context.
You will investigate and evaluate the ways in which a variety of state and non-state actors come together to address global problems, whilst analysing the development and impact of complex public policies in an era of global governance and global crises.
The MSc ideal for those seeking to undertake careers in policy analysis, public administration and management, and evaluation. The programme is also of key relevance for those who are currently working in policy roles and who seek to undertake study at postgraduate level as part of their continuous professional development.
Work-related learning underpins the teaching on this MSc with the use of employment-focused assessments and the use of improvement and evaluation projects as part of the assessment strategies.
Course staff enable you to build links with our existing partners through the Oxfam partnership and with wider civil society and public sector bodies.
The master's research dissertation module also offers you the opportunity to enhance your CV by undertaking a practice-based project as part of your final dissertation in collaboration with a public or third sector organisation.
Our Masters prepares graduates for the real world and provides you with a range of skills including project management, synthesis, analysis and evaluation, as well as policy analysis skills. These are attractive to government, state agencies, and civil society employers.
This research-informed Masters also prepares you well for further research studies, including PhD.
Studying at UWS opened new doors for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at UWS; all the lecturers were so supportive that I have applied to undertake a PhD at UWS.
Awais Mashkoor, 2018 graduate
The MSc Policy Analysis and Global Governance allowed me to develop my understanding of the policy landscape and equipped me with an invaluable insight into the various methodologies utilised across the Policy landscape. The variety of modules available on the course, enabled me to develop a wider understanding of the multi-disciplinary skills required to develop robust policies that will improve people’s lives. The course content was very practical and provided me with a real insight into the practical working environment which I have now work in.
Sarah Gilhooley, 2018 graduate, Policy and Partnership Officer within the Scottish Government’s Employability Division
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Don’t worry if your qualifications are not listed here, we take a range of factors into account when assessing your application and are happy to consider other alternative combinations of qualifications and experience
If you are applying with an EU or non-EU qualification, please check our Postgraduate Entry Requirements page which gives more information about country-specific entry requirements.
You will be required to hold a relevant Honours degree (or quivalent) at second class:lower (2:2) or above. Relevant subjects include social science, medicine, health, law, or social work.
Applications will also be considered from those with a degree in another discipline or other professional training or experience relevant to MSc.
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.
General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission for both home/EU and international students for this programme:
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For Health, Nursing & Midwifery courses that lead to professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
TOEFL IBT*: 78; no sub-test less than:
* Please note that TOEFL is still acceptable for admission to this programme for both home/EU and international students.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use TOEFL to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level courses. We therefore still accept TOEFL tests taken in the last two years for admission to this programme.
West African Senior School Certificate of Education (WASSCE) including acceptance of WAEC Scratchcard*
*UWS will accept a WAEC scratchcard confirming that an applicant has achieved C6 or above as evidence of meeting English language requirement from Nigeria if the student graduated within the last 5 years. After 5 years applicants would be required to provide the WAEC Certificate.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. The UWS courses available are:
You will complete three core 20-credit modules and a further three optional modules for the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip). This ensures that all students can pursue their chosen specialisms on solid intellectual and disciplinary foundations. You will then complete your MSc by carrying out an extended research project dissertation.
For the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) stage, you will study the following core modules:
To complete the PgDip stage, you will select a three, 20 credit modules from the following options:
Successful completion of the PgDip allows you to proceed to the master's module:
The Dissertation will give you the opportunity to specialise in an area of public policy and governance that interests you, while under academic supervision.
There are no written examinations on our course and you will develop your project management, team working, and written skills in order to be equipped for graduate-level employment.
Assessment will be a combination of:
Our course provides a rich variety of integrated learning and assessment opportunities and experiences, increasing discipline knowledge and understanding while developing key transferable skills.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
ASSESSMENT
Find out more about the structure, learning outcomes, compulsory and optional modules in this course.
Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) postgraduate tuition fee and living cost loans may be available for eligible (Scottish/EU) students. Check SAAS website for more information.
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs like study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms.
Fortunately, there is a great deal of financial support available to help students meet the cost of their study. This ranges from:
The sections below provide details of additional costs that your course may involve along with any financial support that may be available.
You can also find additional information in our Postgraduate Money, Fees & Funding section.
Students on certain degrees will incur some additional costs not covered by their tuition fees. These could be for things like specialist equipment, study materials, work placements, graduation, membership of relevant organisations or costs related to carrying out fieldwork.
For students on course with an element of fieldwork, there may also be extra costs for travel and accommodation.
Please contact the course leader for details of the additional costs associated with this course.
Tuition fees are calculated based on where you are from and what you are studying. Some courses also involve additional costs, such as mandatory field trips, equipment or studying abroad.
Find out how much it will cost you to study at UWS as a postgraduate student.
Scottish students studying at postgraduate level at UWS are entitled to various funds and support towards tuition fees and living costs.
English, Welsh and Northern Irish students studying at postgraduate level at UWS are entitled to various funds and support towards tuition fees and living costs.
EU students studying at postgraduate level of UWS may be eligible for SAAS funding, as well as support to meet the costs of childcare and various sources of additional funding.
There are several scholarship and incentive schemes available to international students studying at postgraduate level at UWS, as well as support to meet the costs of childcare and various sources of additional funding.
UWS administer a range of discretionary and childcare funds. These are designed to support students who are experiencing financial difficulty or struggling to meet the costs of childcare.
Becoming a student can have an impact on your entitlement to certain benefits. It may mean you are no longer eligible to claim a benefit you have been receiving, or your new income from student funding may affect the amount you are able to receive.
If there isn’t a statutory source of funding for you or your course, or you are in need of additional financial support, you may wish to consider more alternative sources of funding such as trust funds and scholarships.
Choosing to become a student can have a big impact on your budget and you may need to reassess your spending to account for a reduced income. We’ve put together some guidance to help you manage your money and make the right financial choices for you and your family.
All students should apply directly to the University through our online application system. Before you apply, you should check that you meet our entry requirements and you should have all your supporting documents ready.
The first stage of the process is to create a profile; you don't have to complete the application in one session - you can complete it in stages by saving each section and return to complete it at a later date.
You will need to upload documents with your applications, which may include transcripts and degree certificates.
Most courses don't have a formal closing date, but they will close when they are full; apply early to avoid disappointment. There may also be funding deadlines that apply to you.
Before you begin your application, it is important to read the Postgraduate & Post-Experience application step-by-step guide for a smooth process.
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Do you have a question about applying for this course? Get in touch. We are here to help!
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