Undergraduate School of Education and Social Sciences ⭐ Professional Accreditation

University of the West of Scotland

MSc Policy Analysis and Global Governance

An advanced master's degree exploring how state and non-state organizations combine to resolve global crises, offering high-level competencies in complex public policy design, institutional analysis, and comparative governance.

Paisley September

Duration

1 year if studying full-time, or 2 years part-time

IELTS (min)

6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component)

Course overview

About the Course

The MSc Policy Analysis and Global Governance equips graduates with the theoretical models and empirical research techniques required to investigate, co-develop, and evaluate robust public policies that directly improve lives.

01

This postgraduate programme explores how diverse global institutions operate, providing a multi-disciplinary framework to negotiate complex socioeconomic challenges within contemporary civil society.

Programme structure

Course Modules

This programme is structured to build strong subject knowledge, academic readiness and applied professional capability through each stage of study.

  • Policy Analysis and Practice (SOCS11075) - 20 Credits
  • Comparative Governance & Public Administration (SOCS11073) - 20 Credits
  • Applied Research Methods in Social Sciences (SOCS11059) - 20 Credits
  • Global Crisis Management (SOCS11074) - 20 Credits
  • Politics, Civil Society and Social Justice (SOCS11084) - 20 Credits
  • Contemporary Social Issues (SOCS11019) - 20 Credits
  • Power, Politics & Civil Society (SOCS11025) - 20 Credits
  • The State, Globalisation and Social Justice (SOCS11065) - 20 Credits
  • Applied Criminal Justice (SOCS11058) - 20 Credits
  • MSc Social Sciences Dissertation (SOCS11063) - 60 Credits

Placement Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Secure high-impact strategic advisory portfolios within the global governance arena

Graduate Outcomes

Strong

Curated in partnership with public-sector entities to match immediate hiring needs in compliance and project management.

Graduates are thoroughly equipped to assume professional roles within sovereign government departments, state advisory agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international research institute…

What our students say

The variety of modules enabled me to develop a wider understanding of the multi-disciplinary skills required to develop robust policies that will improve people…

Sarah Gilhooley, 2018 Graduate, Policy and Partnership Officer within the Scottish Government

Key placement benefits

  • Advanced Public Policy Analysis
  • Comparative Governance Evaluation
  • Global Crisis Management Execution
  • Practitioner Research & Project Management

Placement providers

  • Sovereign Government Departments & Civil Service
  • Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) & Third Sector
  • Public Sector Bodies & Think Tanks
  • Global Academic & Research Frameworks

Tuition information

Tuition Fees

2026/2027 Academic Year

Scholarships Available
£16,275 for the full course

£2,330 per 20-credit taught syllabus block

Flexible standard tuition fee instalment plans can be established through student financial ports.
Enhanced International Scholarships remain open for qualifying self-funding non-EU applicants.

*Gross tuition matrices undergo structured annual evaluation. Values shown strictly reflect international student parameters.

English language

Entry Requirements

Postgraduate English language proficiency parameters for direct entry.

6.0

IELTS Score Required

Minimum 5.5 in each individual component

Accepted alternatives

Other recognized tests

  • TOEFL iBT

    78

  • Pearson PTE Academic

    54

  • Duolingo English Test

    105

Equivalent verified language certifications are evaluated dynamically case-by-case by the international team.

Maximum Exemptions Available

Professional Relevance

Built upon real-world public sector integration

Features authentic, career-focused assessments that precisely replicate the complex investigative briefs, structural case studies, and policy proposals that graduates undertake in professional roles.

Oxfam Partnership Framework

UWS-Oxfam Collaborative Policy Blueprint

Enables students to engage directly with active public-sector campaigns and third-sector research operations.

International applicants subject to immigration control components do not typically require an ATAS certificate for this discipline.

Official admissions guidance

Academic Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally hold an undergraduate qualification or UK Honours degree (2.2 or above) from a recognized academic institute. Candidates presenting alternative vocational combinations, professional credentials, or extensive industrial operational experience are actively reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Our specialized international teams are prepared to run an official qualification check and confirm your application profile.

Request a Free Assessment →
Free No obligation Response within 1 business day