Public Policy and Management MSc
Russell Square\t, United Kingdom
MSc Public Policy and Management
SOAS University of London
Public Policy and Management
MSc Public Policy and Management at SOAS — Programme Overview
The MSc Public Policy and Management at SOAS University of London develops your capacity to understand, analyse, and manage organisations in the public sector. The programme provides students with advanced knowledge of theories, doctrines, and techniques for making public sector entities perform efficiently and effectively.
You will develop practical skills to design and implement systems of public service delivery, devise applications of digital technologies to public services, lead innovation and change, and manage public financial resources. The programme covers crucial issues governments face today, from healthcare and education to climate change, migration, and poverty reduction.
Delivered by the School of Finance and Management within the College of Social Sciences, this programme includes a collaboration with Practera for virtual industry projects, giving you the opportunity to work in teams on real-world client briefs. Graduates leave SOAS with a coherent and solid knowledge of management and finance, combined with skills in critical reasoning and analytical thinking.
Key Programme Highlights
- Practical Industry Project with Practera offering real-world client briefs and team-based industry experience
- Focus on digital technologies in public services, including blockchain, fintech, and regulatory governance
- Expert Seminar Series featuring leaders from business, finance, banking, and the public sector
- Located in central London with access to UK government institutions, international organisations, and NGOs
Curriculum and Module Structure
The MSc programme consists of 180 credits, comprising taught modules of 30 or 15 credits each and a 60-credit dissertation or research project. The programme structure includes compulsory core modules alongside a range of optional modules that allow you to tailor your studies to your career interests in public policy and management.
Public Policy: Perspectives, Issues and Strategies
30 creditsCovers different kinds of governments, rationales for state intervention, the process of policy-making, policy implementation and evaluation, forms of public service organisation, decentralisation, and change management.
Public Governance, Accountability and Transparency
30 creditsExamines systems and processes of government, public-private sector relationships, stakeholder and risk management, fraud and corruption, internal control systems, auditing, and ethics and integrity in the public sector.
Digital Government and Regulation of Disruptive Technologies
30 creditsExplores how digitalisation restructures policymaking processes and regulatory governance, covering blockchain technology, cryptocurrency regulation, fintech, regtech, and central bank digital currencies.
Fiscal Governance and Public Financial Management
30 creditsFocuses on the systems, processes, and tools for prudent management of public financial resources, including taxation policy, public spending, public debt, and accrual accounting in the public sector.
Research Methods
15 creditsIntroduces the philosophical, theoretical, and practical bases of conducting academic research, equipping students with the skills to rigorously design, execute, report, and evaluate research projects.
Dissertation / Research Project
60 creditsA final culminating piece of independent research on an agreed topic. Students choosing the dissertation submit a research proposal (25% of marks) and a dissertation (75% of marks). The Practical Industry Project is available as an alternative.
Elective Module Options
Admission Requirements
SOAS welcomes applications from students with strong academic backgrounds and a genuine interest in public policy and management. The programme is designed for those seeking to start or advance a career in government, public sector agencies, international organisations, or NGOs. Apply through Uni4Edu to begin your application process.
Academic Requirements
- Minimum Degree ClassificationUK upper second-class honours (2:2) degree or international equivalent
- Relevant DisciplinesOpen to graduates from any discipline; social sciences, politics, economics, or management backgrounds are common
- Supporting StatementA personal statement outlining your motivation and suitability for the programme is considered alongside your degree classification
- ReferencesReferences are optional but can strengthen your application, especially if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications
- Work ExperienceNot required but relevant professional experience in the public sector or related fields is valued
English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic)Overall 6.5 with 6.5 in Writing and a minimum of 6.0 in all other subtests
- TOEFL iBTOverall 92 or above — contact Uni4Edu for detailed subtest requirements
- Other Accepted TestsPTE Academic and Duolingo English Test are also accepted — contact Uni4Edu for minimum score requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
SOAS offers a generous range of scholarships for postgraduate students. In the 2025-26 academic year, 1 in 3 international postgraduates received a scholarship. For the 2026-27 cycle, over 320 awards totalling GBP 4 million are available, including full scholarships, tuition-fee waivers, partial fee waivers, and bursaries. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on eligibility and applications.
Global Excellence Scholarship
GBP 8,000 fee waiverAvailable to students from selected countries (including Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia) with excellent academic performance applying for full-time postgraduate taught programmes. Requires a minimum UK upper second-class (2:1) degree or international equivalent.
GREAT Scholarships (British Council Partnership)
GBP 10,000 fee waiverOffered in partnership with the British Council for students from 18 eligible countries. These awards support postgraduate study across a range of subjects at SOAS. Contact Uni4Edu for current eligible countries and application details.
International Postgraduate Scholarships
GBP 8,000 fee waiverPartially funded scholarships available to international fee-paying postgraduate students. Awards are based on academic merit and are applied as a tuition fee reduction. Contact Uni4Edu for current eligibility criteria and application deadlines.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects and Graduate Outcomes
The MSc Public Policy and Management programme aims to help students start a career in government and public sector agencies, or strengthen their prospects for an improved career trajectory. Graduates from the School of Finance and Management leave SOAS with advanced skills in communication, analysis, problem solving, and technical proficiency valued by employers worldwide.
Potential Career Roles
Where Graduates Work
Rankings and Recognition
SOAS University of London is internationally recognised for its specialist expertise in the study of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with particular strengths in social sciences, humanities, and development studies. The university holds strong positions in several global and national ranking tables.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Development Studies | QS World Rankings by Subject | #5 globally |
| Politics | QS World Rankings by Subject | #28 globally |
| Anthropology | QS World Rankings by Subject | #18 globally |
| Accounting and Finance | Complete University Guide | #42 in UK |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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