MA (Public Policy)

University of Galway

The MA in Public Policy prepares its graduates to work in government, public bodies, civil society organisations, NGOs, international organisations, businesses and other fields and organisations that require an expert understanding of policymaking. In addition to core policy and research training modules, it offers a field trip to Brussels to examine EU policymaking and specialised modules in specific policy areas including: Policy in the Digital Age Advocacy and Development Gender Peace and Conflict Disability Ageing Child and Family Ocean and Marine Urban Policy Social Welfare and Negotiation as well as an optional module in data analytics for public policy. At a time when policy formulation and implementation is increasingly subject to political scrutiny and negotiation, the course emphasises the political contexts in which policy is made and implemented and the development of digital government and new forms of public consultation and participation. Equip students with theoretical knowledge of policy-making processes and key issues such as participation, implementation, and evaluation.Enhance students' skills in communication, innovative thinking, negotiation, presentation, teamwork, and writing skillsOffer direct experience of contributing to policy-making processes, analysing current policies, and suggesting solutions to policy problems while working in teams and as individuals.Introduce students to expert knowledge on a range of key national and international policy issues.Introduce students to the concept of participation in policy-making, with particular emphasis on the use of public consultations.Career OpportunitiesThis programme will be particularly useful for students wishing to work in European and international organisations (e.g., EU, Council of Europe, UN agencies) national or local government, public bodies, civil society organisations, NGOs, businesses (e.g., Google, Facebook, LinkedIn), public affairs, consultancy, public relations, journalism, and other fields and organisations that require an expert understanding of policy-making.