MA Public Policy and Public Management (Part Time)
Key details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- January 2028
)
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Course Overview
Why MA Public Policy and Public Management at UEA?
This MA will give you the analytical tools and practical frameworks to understand how public decisions are made and contested.
At UEA, you'll engage with pressing questions about climate governance, migration, digital transformation, and the future of public institutions.
Why Choose UEA
- Policy in practice: Connect theoretical frameworks to real-world governance challenges, from housing crises to environmental regulation
- Curate your specialisation: Tailor your degree through optional modules in areas ranging from electoral systems to international governance
- Built for impact: Develop the analytical, communication, and advisory skills valued across government, NGOs, and consultancy
What is MA Public Policy and Public Management?
This MA will equip you with the theoretical insights and practical skills to analyse and influence public policy and governance.
From foundational frameworks in public policy and management to specialist options in environmental, digital, and international governance, you can build a curriculum that reflects your own priorities.
Open to graduates from any discipline and professionals from public and private sectors alike, the programme offers accessible entry points and the expert guidance to take your skills further.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a MA Public Policy and Public Management Part-Time degree, you can become a:
-
Policy analyst: Evaluate the design and impact of public policies across government departments, think tanks, and research institutions
-
Civil servant: Shape and implement policy at local, national, or international levels across a wide range of public bodies
-
NGO professional: Develop and advocate for policy solutions in areas such as human rights, environment, and international development
-
Political consultant: Advise organisations, campaigns, and institutions navigating complex political and regulatory landscapes
-
Researcher: Conduct policy-focused research for universities, think tanks, government bodies, and international organisations
Career Support
UEA's Career Central(opens in a new window) offers tailored support for students pursuing careers across the public, private, and third sectors. You'll have access to one-to-one guidance, skills workshops, and networking opportunities with practitioners and policymakers. Our popular speaker series brings leading academics, politicians, and policymakers directly into the programme, connecting you with professionals in your field. Internship and placement opportunities provide valuable real-world experience alongside your studies.
After the Course
Graduates have gone on to roles as policy analysts, civil servants, consultants, lobbyists, and advisers in government and beyond. Many have secured positions in media organisations, think tanks, NGOs, and international bodies across the UK and globally. The research and analytical capabilities developed on this programme also provide a strong foundation for doctoral study. Whichever path you choose, you'll be equipped with the expertise to navigate and influence complex policy landscapes.
Study and Modules
Structure
This two-year part-time MA is designed for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of public policy and management while continuing their careers.
In your first year, you'll build strong foundations in the theories and frameworks underpinning public management and policy analysis. You'll develop your understanding of governance, decision-making processes, and implementation strategies across different political and organisational contexts. Optional modules allow you to begin tailoring your studies to your professional interests and career aspirations from the outset. Our interactive teaching methods encourage you to connect theoretical concepts directly with your own professional experience.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
Your second year deepens your specialisation through further optional modules aligned with contemporary policy challenges. You'll have the flexibility to focus on the areas that matter most to you, guided by your growing expertise and professional priorities. The culmination of the degree is a dissertation, conducted with close support from an academic supervisor whose expertise matches your research interests. This independent project gives you the opportunity to investigate a compelling policy challenge, apply advanced analytical frameworks, and contribute original insights to your field.
Throughout both years, the part-time structure creates a productive relationship between your academic and professional development. New analytical frameworks can be applied directly in your workplace, and your professional experience will enrich your engagement with the curriculum. By graduation, you'll be equipped with theoretical depth, research skills, and practical understanding to advance your career across a wide range of policy and public management roles.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Teaching combines research-led lectures, interactive seminars, and policy debates, delivered by leading experts in public policy, management, and governance. Small-group seminars create space for vibrant discussion, enriched by a diverse cohort of professionals bringing varied perspectives to complex governance questions. Your time balances structured teaching with independent learning, developing the self-directed research skills essential for policy professionals. The part-time schedule is designed to accommodate professional commitments without compromising academic rigour.
In year one, structured core teaching introduces key frameworks in public policy and management, supported by visiting speakers and research seminar events. In year two, teaching shifts toward greater independence, with dedicated dissertation supervision from an academic whose expertise aligns closely with your research interests. Throughout both years, the part-time structure allows you to apply new analytical frameworks directly in your professional context.
Assessment
Assessment is designed to develop the analytical, communicative, and research skills that policy and public management careers demand. You'll complete essays, policy briefs, group projects, and presentations across the programme, reflecting the diversity of tasks in real-world policy contexts. Formative feedback throughout ensures you can refine your approach before summative work is due.
In year one, assessments build your confidence in policy analysis, theoretical argumentation, and communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences. In year two, your dissertation is your most substantial undertaking, demonstrating your ability to investigate a compelling policy challenge independently and rigorously under expert supervision.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in January each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject area
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in January each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject area
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in all components
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
-
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner UEA International Study Centre. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences(opens in a new window)
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
-
UK Students: £11,200
-
International Students: £23,580
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.