Course Summary
Recent crises have exposed flaws in the policymaking systems of many countries around the world, and very markedly in Ireland. In part, these flaws reflect the technical capacity of policymakers to effectively formulate and implement public policies and analyse potential consequences in complex and evolving circumstances. This relationship is recognised by the Irish state, the EU, and other international bodies as they attempt to increase the number of professionally qualified policy specialists working with them. In response DCU is offering a bespoke, online interdisciplinary course designed to meet the requirements of a new generation of policymakers — the MSc in Public Policy is a new type of professional degree with an intellectual base and methodological rigour that reflect the needs of a society facing more nuanced and complex challenges.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
For admission to the MSc in Public Policy programme, successful applicants will have -
• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent,
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
Application Details
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
• Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2025.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
To apply for this programme:
• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal - view Application Weblink above
• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.
Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
The programme commences in September 2025
Fees
EU Status Fee €7,700
Non EU Fee €16,500
Part time:
EU Status Fee Part-time €4,200 Per Annum
Non EU Fee Part time €8,100 Per Annum
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
The MSc in Public Policy’s range of modules equips participants with a range of social science skills, such as quantitative analysis, research design, economics and communications methods to develop, analyse, evaluate and communicate public policies. These have been carefully chosen, in consultation with key stakeholders such as senior civil servants and ministers, so that graduates of the programme are in position to become leaders in policymaking.
Potential Careers
• Policy Advisor
• Policy Maker
• Public Servant
• Communications Consultant
Duration
2 years Part Time