Global Public PolicyMA / PGDip

Discover a flexible curriculum designed to fuel your intellectual curiosity and career ambitions. Our diverse module options, including placement pathways, empower you to chart your own course.

Course Structure

Our dynamic programme equips you with advanced insights into policy-making across local and global contexts. Through six core modules, a customisable curriculum and a 12,000-word dissertation, you'll gain essential skills to address complex issues like migration and poverty, with options for practical experience through a placement module. This course will run over 12 months in full-time mode. However, the programme can also be undertaken on a part-time basis.

There are also two placement pathways:

• Tailor the curriculum to match your own interests and career plans. Gain experience in the workplace with our optional pathways that incorporate a placement module.
• Study at the UK's most targeted university by the country’s leading graduate employers (Highfliers 2024)
• Engage critically with cutting-edge research on local and international policymaking. 

• Taught modules – these include lectures, seminars, journal clubs and workshops.
• Research-based modules – working on your own and in groups, you’ll enjoy regular supervision and directed research work.
• Assessments - these will include a range of coursework, such as traditional essays, policy reports and dissertation.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

The following must be taken for the full-time MA:

80 credits from the list below or other CoSS modules with the School’s agreement:

Global Public Policy with Integrated Placement

Our Standard Requirements

For entry into this programme, you will normally have an undergraduate degree of at least a 2:1. International applicants will be required to hold an IELTs of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification. 

Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification will be considered on a case-by-case basis if you have extensive related work experience.

Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

For PGDip the fee is £7,267 (full-time and placement)

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.