MA Political Science - Governance and Public Policy Pathway (Research Route)

During the open day, you will learn more about the School of Social Sciences, our resources, and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see open days and visits .

• 1 November (decision by 8 December; accept offer by 15 January);
• 7 January (decision by 14 February, accept offer by 16 March);
• 2 March (decision by 8 April, accept offer by 8 May);
• 1 May (decision by 1 June, accept offer by 1 July).

If we make you an offer, you will have approximately 4 weeks to accept. Any offers not accepted by the deadline will be withdrawn so that an offer can be made to another candidate.

All conditional offer holders will have until 1 August to satisfy the conditions of their offer.

You need to ensure that you submit your supporting documents with your online application as it may delay us processing your application.

Whilst we aim to give you a decision on your application by the decision date, in some instances it may be necessary to roll your application forward to the next deadline date. If this is the case we will let you know after the deadline date.

We can accept your application before you complete your undergraduate studies; please submit your latest transcripts with your online application. 

Please note: 

• All places are subject to availability and if you apply for one of the later dates, some courses may already be closed, we recommend that you apply early in the cycle.
• Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer.
• If you are a current undergraduate student at The University of Manchester, you may be eligible to apply via the 'Fast-Track' scheme, email pg-soss@manchester.ac.uk for further information.
• For a copy of the postgraduate prospectus, email pg-soss@manchester.ac.uk.

• examination of the nature and problems of policy making in the contemporary world;
• how in a globalised world public decision making can be constructed in a way that delivers legitimacy and effective capacity to act;
• the impact of governance arrangements on policy outcomes and the relationship between the state and citizens.

This course unpacks core concepts to do with citizenship, participation, and the formation and implementation of public and social policies.

It draws on a variety of contemporary materials and will appeal to those interested in governance and policy making at any level: neighbourhood, local, national, European and global. It provides a base either for those intending to take a PhD in the area, or seeking employment requiring advanced research skills in the public, private or voluntary sector.

You take five compulsory training courses and two compulsory core courses, which are: Understanding Governance and Governance and the Welfare State.

Further options include a choice of at least one course unit in public policy with further related options available from all of our other MA courses. 

Part-time students complete the full-time course over two years. There are no evening or weekend course units available on the part-time route.  

You must first check the schedule of the compulsory units and then select your optional units to suit your requirements.  

Updated timetable information will be available from mid-August and you will have the opportunity to discuss your unit choices during induction week with your course director.

You will be supported by first-class resources, in addition to the networked study areas.

You will also have access to the one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the country.

Others have gone into careers that require advanced research skills in fields such as academia, the civil service, and wide range of positions in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .