How to apply

Overview

The details

Course: The Essex MPP

Start date: October 2026

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 1 year

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Government

What is the Master of Public Policy (MPP)?

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a one-year full-time degree with January and October entry points.

You’ll examine the policy processes, institutions and evidence that shape public decision-making - from governance systems and regulatory frameworks to inequality, public management and global policy challenges. Through policy analysis, real-world case studies and applied research methods, you’ll develop the advanced analytical, evaluative and practical skills needed to design, assess and improve public policy in complex, data-rich environments.

Why this course

You’ll study how public policy is made, why it works, and how it can be improved. You’ll explore the systems, evidence and decisions that shape people’s lives - from public services and regulation to global challenges like health, education and the environment.

Through case studies, policy analysis and applied research, you’ll build strong skills in evaluating evidence, understanding data and assessing the impact of policy choices. You’ll learn in a department with real experience advising governments and organisations, giving you clear insight into how decisions are made in practice.

You’ll use these skills to study real policy problems and test what works in the world. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to analyse policy, explain your findings clearly and make informed recommendations - skills that support many professional paths or further postgraduate study.

Who should apply

Graduates in sociology, politics, economics, or social sciences, ready to tackle real-world policy challenges
Professionals seeking sharper skills in policy analysis and leadership
Future advisors, civil servants, and advocates aiming to shape national or global decisions
Ambitious researchers preparing for doctoral study in politics or public policy

What you’ll learn

Policy design and implementation: Understand how policies are formulated, executed, and evaluated in practice
Political and institutional dynamics: Analyse the role of governments, interest groups, and civil society in shaping policy outcomes
Data and analytic skills: Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to support evidence-based decision-making
Sectoral expertise: Explore key policy areas such as education, health, the environment, and taxation
Global perspective: Compare approaches to public policy across countries and develop insights for international contexts

Your learning experience

Start in January or October and tailor your degree with core and optional modules
Build hands-on skills through workshops, case studies, and applied research projects
Learn in a department whose research informs policy-makers at the highest levels
Access specialist facilities including computer labs, political analysis software, and a behavioural science laboratory

Careers and outcomes

A Master in Public Policy (MPP) prepares you for roles across sectors, including:

Government and civil service: Policy advisors, analysts, civil servants, public service leaders
International organisations and NGOs: Programme officers, advocacy specialists, development practitioners
Think tanks and research institutes: Policy researchers, data analysts, evidence-based consultants
Consultancy and private sector: Public affairs consultants, lobbying specialists, corporate responsibility advisors
Business and industry: Public policy managers, regulatory affairs specialists, compliance advisors

Employers of our graduates

Graduates from the Department of Government have held influential roles across government, international organisations, and public service, including:

UK Civil Service (Home Office, Foreign Commonwealth Development Office)
House of Commons
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)
Office for National Statistics

Meet the researchers

Professor Paul Bou-Habib

Expert on political theory

Department of Government, University of Essex

With over 20 years of teaching and research experience in ethics and public policy, Professor Bou-Habib has worked for the Leverhulme Trust and the British Journal of Political Science, reviewing leading research proposals in political science. He received a PhD degree in Politics from Princeton University in 2001 and has held several research awards, including a Marie Curie award from the European Commission.

Dr Nicole Baerg

Expert in political economy and political institutions

Department of Government, University of Essex

Dr Baerg studies how institutions shape transparency, accountability, and governance, with research on central bank communication, political appointments, and public infrastructure. She is widely published in top journals and is the author of Crafting Consensus (Oxford University Press).

Why choose Essex?

2nd in UK for research outputs in politics and international studies (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
5th in UK for Political Science in Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024
9th in the UK for International Relations (Guardian University Guide 2026)

“I completed a Masters in Public Policy at Essex. I had never studied politics before, so I was excited and anxious, but the supportive academic community here put me at ease. Essex challenged me to excel, and prepared me for my career in the NHS.”

Ryan Gatenby

“I am a governance and development specialist pursuing my Master’s in the UK on a Chevening Scholarship. I'm looking forward to applying my knowledge to governance and development work across Africa - in particular the ethical governance of AI in public finance management.”

Abdulahi Adebayo

"This degree was instrumental to my career. The skills I gained in research, analysis, and policy evaluation directly support my current work as a Corporate Policy Coordinator at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing."

Dylan Ireland

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

A 2:2 degree in any subject.

You may also be considered with a lower class degree, where you have at least five year’s relevant work experience (please provide your CV).

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at pgquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.

Structure

Course structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: CORE WITH OPTIONS

(60 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 02: CORE

Foundations of Public Policy

(15 CREDITS)

This module introduces you to key concepts and theoretical approaches to studying and analysing public policy as well as applying these concepts and approaches to real-world public policy areas. This includes the economic, theoretical and normative foundations for public policies, theories of the public policy process and the actors and institutions involved in this process as well as approaches to studying the politics and political dilemmas regarding public policy. You will also be introduced and apply these concepts to real-world policy areas including education, pollution and taxation.

View Foundations of Public Policy on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

The Politics of Public Policy

(15 CREDITS)

The module “The Politics of Public Policy” provides a comprehensive overview of the key players and institutions that shape the policy-making process. You will study theories and evidence surrounding the creation of policies and explore the impact of political actors, institutions, and strategies on the formation and implementation of public policy. Through the examination of advocacy coalitions, policy networks, and the influence of ideas, beliefs, and interests, you will gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between state and private actors and the role of interest intermediation and lobbying in shaping public policy. The course also focuses on the interactions between legislative and executive branches of government, as well as the influence of international institutions and policy diffusion beyond the nation state. By the end of the course, you will have a well-rounded knowledge of the complex and dynamic politics of public policy and will be able to analyse specific policy processes using the tools and approaches covered in the module.

View The Politics of Public Policy on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Research Design

(15 CREDITS)

In this module you gain an overview of the logic of social science research designs that includes the goals, theories and strategies of social science research, and develop a research agenda for potential use as publication in a peer reviewed journal, MA or PhD dissertation.

View Research Design on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: OPTIONAL

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 06: OPTIONAL

(45 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 07: CORE

Dissertation and Policy Portfolio Preparation

(0 CREDITS)

View Dissertation and Policy Portfolio Preparation on our Module Directory

Teaching

Courses are designed to provide you with an advanced understanding of either the politics of a geographical area or an aspect of the discipline
Courses include both compulsory and optional modules, so the course can be tailored to fit your interests and aspirations
Learn through discussion and problem-solving
Lab sessions allow you to improve your technical research skills
We encourage students to attend national conferences to meet researchers and discuss their work

Postgraduate students in the Department of Government generally have a one-hour lecture and a one-hour seminar for each module every week or a two-hour seminar (in the case of smaller modules), but there are variations in place depending on the module.

Assessment

Your coursework comes in the form of essays, simulations, presentations and in-class tests

Dissertation

You are given guidance on how to prepare a Masters dissertation by our Graduate Director in the spring term
We link you with an appropriate supervisor at the earliest opportunity

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£11,025

International fee

£23,875

Scholarships and financial support

There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

Fees and funding guide

Masters fees and funding information

Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information

What's next

We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing tours@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.

2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Saturday 11 April 2026 - April Open Day

Saturday 20 June 2026 - June Open Day

Find out more

You can apply for this postgraduate course online. Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.

We aim to respond to applications within two weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.

For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.

A sunny day with banners flying on Colchester Campus Square 4.

Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

Find out more

View from Square 2 outside the Rab Butler Building looking towards Square 3

If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

Dr Nicole Baerg, Director of Postgraduate Admissions to the Department of Government at Essex.

Chat to us

Questions about this course? Chat with Dr Nicole Baerg, Director of Postgraduate Taught Studies in the Department of Government.

Chat to Nicole

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At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Master of Public Policy: The Essex MPP

Overview

What is the Master of Public Policy (MPP)?

Why this course

Who should apply

What you’ll learn

Your learning experience

Careers and outcomes

Employers of our graduates

Meet the researchers

Professor Paul Bou-Habib

Dr Nicole Baerg

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

A 2:2 degree in any subject.

International & EU entry requirements

English language requirements

Additional Notes

Structure

Course structure

Components

Modules

Teaching

Assessment

Dissertation

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

International fee

Scholarships and financial support

Fees and funding guide

What's next

Open Days

2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Applying

Visit Colchester Campus

Virtual tours

Sign up for emails

Apply now

Visit us virtually

Book an open day