Government Studies MA

Our brand-new Government Studies MA is the only course of its kind to focus on British Government that goes beyond the theory to provide unique insights into the personalities, policies and process involved in running the British state. You'll delve into real-life case studies and hear from the people who work within government, becoming familiar with the decision-making process in the turbulent 20th and 21st centuries. 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. If you’re interested in funding options, you could apply for a place for one of our two fully paid studentships from Amazon Web Services. These opportunities are for the 2024/25 academic year intake. See Fees and Funding section for more details.

Key benefits

• The 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.

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