Government Studies - MA

This course goes beyond teaching theory to apply an in-depth perspective of how the British state is run, taught with and by those within government. Our Government Studies MA is the only course of its kind to focus on British Government that goes beyond the theory to apply an in-depth perspective on the personalities, policies and process involved in running the British state. You’ll study a range of pioneering modules delivered in partnership with organisations like No. 10 Downing Street and HM Treasury and learn from renowned practitioners and policymakers, such as former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, alongside leading academics at the forefront of their fields. During this Government Studies MA, you’ll develop the practical skills and historical context needed to navigate the complexities of the UK’s uncodified constitution. You’ll follow a curriculum that puts precedent, history and relationships at its core, mirroring the very fabric of governance itself to give you a detailed understanding of the policy-making process.Key benefitsThe only course of its kind to focus on the British Government and apply a historical dimension to policy-making instead of teaching the theory or history of policy.Learn from a combination of practitioners and academics and get a world-class educational experience at one of the top 10 universities in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024).Join an intentionally selective cohort and benefit from links with global businesses such as Amazon Web Services and Workday through a range of exciting extracurricular activities.Gain a detailed understanding of the policy-making process from those working in government, with a focus on discussing political, societal, and economic challenges.Develop your transferrable skills alongside your specialist knowledge, with a focus on soft skills like confidence, writing, oracy and emotional intelligence.Course essentials:Our Government Studies master’s is as much taught by policymakers and practitioners as it is by world-leading academics. That means you’ll learn directly from a range of influential figures and visiting professors, including former shadow Chancellor Ed Balls; Sir Michael Barber, the Head of the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit under Tony Blair; and John Rentoul, chief political commentator at The Independent. This master’s also has a real focus on developing the practical and historical skills you need to contextualise policymaking decisions. Thanks to a multidisciplinary curriculum that employs a range of teaching methods, including the use of case studies to help you recreate major debates or role-play key decisions, you will develop a range of practical and soft skills. Additionally, your oracy skills will be enhanced, as there will be plenty of opportunities to present to practitioners from government, journalism, and business. Over the course of two compulsory modules, you’ll learn how Prime Ministers make decisions and how the UK government functions. Taught in partnership with No. 10 Downing Street, you’ll hear from leaders and visit during a field trip. Careers: EmployabilityGraduates of the Government Studies MA will be well-suited to careers in a range of organisations, including local and national government, the private sector, NGOs, the third sector, journalism, and public affairs. You’ll develop your research skills during this Government Studies master’s, which will equip you for careers in public and private research institutions, including think tanks. It will also provide an excellent foundation for doctoral research. You will also benefit from plenty of access and networking opportunities with a wide range of practitioners from government, journalism, and business.