logo
  • uni logo

QS Rank:

verified

273

uni logo

University of Galway

flag

New Ireland

Papua New Guinea

icon

Program Rank

tooltip

273

Watch course video presentation here.

The MA in Public Policy prepares its graduates to work in government, public bodies, civil society organisations, NGOs, international organisations, businesses and other fields and organisations that require an expert understanding of policymaking. In addition to core policy and research training modules, it offers a field trip to Brussels to examine EU policymaking and specialised modules in specific policy areas including: Policy in the Digital Age; Advocacy and Development; Gender; Peace and Conflict; Disability; Ageing; Child and Family; Ocean and Marine; Urban Policy; Social Welfare; and Negotiation; as well as an optional module in data analytics for public policy. At a time when policy formulation and implementation is increasingly subject to political scrutiny and negotiation, the course emphasises the political contexts in which policy is made and implemented and the development of digital government and new forms of public consultation and participation. 

The programme is aimed at Arts and Social Science graduates seeking a qualification that will help them to secure policy-related employment; graduates from other fields including Commerce and Law seeking to improve their employment prospects; graduates interested in pursuing PhD research, particularly in areas where University of Galway has specialist policy expertise. 

The objectives of the programme are to:

  • Equip students with theoretical knowledge of policy-making processes and key issues such as participation, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Enhance students' skills in communication, innovative thinking, negotiation, presentation, teamwork, and writing skills
  • Offer direct experience of contributing to policy-making processes, analysing current policies, and suggesting solutions to policy problems while working in teams and as individuals.
  • Introduce students to expert knowledge on a range of key national and international policy issues.
  • Introduce students to the concept of participation in policy-making, with particular emphasis on the use of public consultations.

As an international student you might be able to apply for a scholarship and here is a link to those available at University of Galway. NOTE: this MA is now eligible for the Irish-Palestine Fellowship Aid Scholarship, information on that scheme is here.

intake

Total Tuition Fees

$19,140

intake

Duration

12 Months

Ranking

icon

#548

US World and News Report

icon

#301

The World University Rankings

icon

#273

QS World University Rankings

intake

Intake

Fall ( Sept - Nov )

Class Profile

intake

Average Age

20

intake

Average Work Experience

1 Years

Diversity

Others:

10%

Europe:

5%

Asia:

2%

United Kingdom:

10%

North America:

3%

Republic of Ireland:

70%

Career Outcomes

This programme will be particularly useful for students wishing to work in European and international organisations (e.g., EU, Council of Europe, UN agencies) national or local government, public bodies, civil society organisations, NGOs, businesses (e.g., Google, Facebook, LinkedIn), public affairs, consultancy, public relations, journalism, and other fields and organisations that require an expert understanding of policy-making. 

Prospective Job Roles

Public Affairs Manager

Journalism

Public Relations Manager

Social Worker

Public Affairs Specialist

Public Affairs Officer

Policy Analyst

Policy Advisor

Top recruiters

logo
logo
logo
logo
logo
logo

Eligibility Criteria

English Proficiency Tests

  • IELTS

    6.5

    tooltip
  • TOEFL

    88

    tooltip
  • PTE

    61

    tooltip

Application Requirements

Here's everything you need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application—covering the key documents and criteria for a successful submission.

intake

Application Fee: 35

  • intake

    Transcript

  • intake

    Statement of Purpose

  • intake

    Passport

  • intake

    Resume

  • intake

    IELTS

  • intake

    Provisional Certificate

  • intake

    General LOR

  • intake

    General LOR

  • intake

    Degree Certificate

  • intake

    Semester wise Marksheet

Application Deadlines

Space Available
FallN/A

Fees and Funding

intake

Tuition Fees

$19,140 / year

intake

Overall Cost

$39,540 / year

Funding Options

Department Funding

External Sources - Scholarships

Scholarships

  • icon

    Galway University Foundation

FAQs

  • Please see Student Fee Liability and Sanctions for Late or Non-Payment of Fees policy document. Undergraduate Students: Fees are payable on registration. However, if you choose the "pay later" option while registering online please familiarise yourself with the payment date deadlines: The student levy of €140 is payable in full by 31/10/2024. The student contribiton charge of €3,000 is payable in full by 31/10/2024 or can be paid in two equal instalments €1,500 by 31/10/2024 and €1,500 by 31/01/2025. The tuition element (if not covered by free tuition fees) is payable in full by 31/10/2024 or can be paid in two equal instalments 50% by 31/10/24 and 50% by 31/01/2025. If you are eligible for free fees but not a grant you pay €3,140 on registration or €1,640 on registration or by 31/10/2024 and €1,500 by 31/01/2025. Postgraduate Students: Fees are payable on registration. However, if you choose the "pay later" option while registering online please familiarise yourself with the payment date deadlines: The student levy of €140 is payable in full by 31/10/2024. The tuition element is payable in full by 31/10/2024 or can be paid in two equal instalments 50% by 31/10/2024 and 50% by 31/01/2025. A late payment penalty of €200 will be applied to all unpaid student records after 31/10/2024. A second late payment penalty of €200 will be applied to all unpaid student records after 31/01/2025. Exam results will be held if student records have an outstanding fee balance. Progression to the next year of study will not be permitted. Conferring will not take place. Access to transcripts will be blocked.

  • If you have overpaid your fees you should email [email protected] and quote your student ID number. If you are entitled to a refund we can organise one for you as follows: If you paid by credit / debit card we will refund the card directly - this takes 3 to 5 working days to be credited back to the card. If you paid by bank giro we will issue a refund cheque to you - this takes up to 10 working days. Please see our fee refund policies: (1) QA306 Fee refund policy and (2) QA307 Student Fee Liability Student fee liability and sanctions for late or non-payment of fees.

  • The student contribution charge (SCC) is €3,000 in 2024/25. It covers costs associated with student services, examinations, admissions, registration, fees administration and student records. It is payable by all EU students eligible for the free fee initiative. However, if you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this SCC. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the SCC of €3,000 (in 2024/25) on your behalf. If you are partially eligible (i.e. 33%, 50%, 66% etc) you will be liable for the remaining balance prior to 31/10/2024 or 31/01/2025. You will be required to input your SUSI application number W2425******** on registration. If you are not eligible for a grant you are liable for this payment in 2024/25.

  • UK students, who meet the eligibility criteria for the Free Fees initiative, registering in 2024 will have the tuition element of their fees paid for the duration of their course.

Ready to elevate your study abroad journey?

Book a call with us now and take the first step towards your global future!

Connect with us on our social media

  • icon
  • icon
  • icon
  • icon