Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Public Policy & Management MSc
UCAS code: N/A
Key information
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180 / ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
The MSc in Public Policy & Management is a truly unique and special degree programme delivered in the heart of London by a dedicated international team of academics who share a deep passion for evaluating and improving public policymaking and management. Whether you are a recent graduate or a working professional, this programme will provide the skills you need to evaluate and develop policy options for public and non-profit services at local, national and international levels. It equips you to understand and evaluate policy options for organising and delivering contemporary public services.
Key benefits
- Comparative approach - we take a comparative approach to policy & management studies, emphasising comparisons between both the UK and international systems of government.
- We are ranked 10th in the world for Global Ranking of Public Administration (ShanghaiRanking 2024).
- Regular and senior speakers from UK-based government departments, public sector bodies, NGOs, social enterprises and policymaking units who discuss the implementation and evaluation of public services policy.
- Opportunities for internships and the chance to study different public service areas in-depth, drawing on King’s-wide expertise.
- Combines in-depth treatment of underlying principles with practical applications including policy making and analysis.
- Unrivalled location in the centre of London.
- Scholarships of up to 50% tuition fees or £10,000 for our full-time postgraduate courses available.
“I'm from France. I decided to study the MSc Public Policy and Management because I was really interested in getting to know more the world of public policies. I started this master coming straight from my undergraduate BA War Studies at King’s. ”
Our course is designed to teach you how to use social science skills to analyse public service organisations, funding & management, and professional practice in the public services. You will also develop a comparative and international perspective on the political & historical origins of the contemporary public & social services sector. Our course provides an advanced interdisciplinary programme covering the management, organisation, funding, administration, and delivery of public services, with a focus on how policies are designed, developed, and implemented. You will develop key analytical skills and learn how to identify, tackle and solve problems relating to public service management, using appropriate methodologies and research techniques. This MSc offers the chance to explore key public service policy functions, such as public service organisation, health policy, economics, social entrepreneurship and leadership. We focus not just on political theory and economic analysis, but also on people management and organisation within public services, giving students a thorough and diverse base of knowledge and skills.
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Undergraduate degree with minimum 2:1 honours is usually required in social science related area e.g., management, economics, sociology or relevant experience in public sector management.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements for your application to be considered does not guarantee an offer as applications for this programme are very competitive.
In some cases, we may invite applicants to a remote video interview to assess their ability to successfully complete the programme. Interviews will be conducted by Public Policy and Management staff.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King's Apply if your application is being held.
In some cases, we may invite applicants to a remote video interview to assess their ability to successfully complete the programme. Interviews will be conducted by Public Policy and Management staff.
Personal statement and supporting information
Please provide a personal statement that shows how your own interests are linked to the programme. In this statement please describe your academic background, your reasons for applying for this programme and what you hope to gain from it, including any relevant experience, strengths, ambitions or research interests.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application.
We do not require a GMAT or GRE score to be provided as part of your application, but a well-balanced score may strengthen your application. For the GMAT Exam (10th Edition) we look for a score of 670+. For the GMAT Exam (Focus Edition) we look for 78% or 615. For the GRE, we look for a score of 324 with 70-75% in verbal reasoning. Please fill in the “Professional and Other Relevant Qualifications” section within the application form, and share your score with King’s College London on the verification site and upload a scan of your results or screenshot of the email confirming your results. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Seminars
Self-Study
Workshops
This MSc offers the chance to explore key public service policy functions, such as the organisation and economics of public services, regulation, health policy, managing non-profits, strategy, managing change, policy evaluation and leadership.
We draw upon varied teaching approaches – including lectures, workshops, case-studies, tutorials – delivered in excellent facilities. You will develop your group working skills through collective projects as well as individual study through innovative assessment.
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
The total contact time for each 15-credit taught module is typically 20-30 hours. These sessions will include lectures, teacher-led and student-led group discussions based on the main areas of study. Each 15-credit taught also module has approximately 120-130 hours of self-guided learning time.
Dissertation module are done in seminars and one-to-one supervision. Dedicating approximately 582 hours of self-study and project work.
Part-time study
Students are required to be on campus one day per week in terms 1 and 2, and in both year 1 and year 2.
Assessment
Throughout the degree students are assessed by a variety of methods, which include written examinations, coursework and individual or group projects and presentations for the taught modules. The dissertation submitted in September each year is worth 60 credits. Assignment feedback is provided within four working weeks of submission.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Full-time students will complete the course in one year. Part-time students should plan to take 60 credits of required taught modules in their first year and 60 credits of required dissertation in the second year. You are required to take:
Organisation & Management of the Public Services (15 credits)
Economics of Public Management (15 credits)
Research Methods in Public Policy & Management (15 credits)
The Public Policy-Making Process (15 credits)
Dissertation (60 Credits)
Short refresher courses in Mathematics & Economics (0 credits) – taken during Reading and Induction weeks
Optional modules
In addition, students take 60 credits from a range of optional modules which varies from year to year. The available options may include:
Leadership in the Public Services (15 credits)
Regulating Business and Society (15 credits)
People Management in the Public Services (15 credits)
Key Issues in Health Policy (15 credits)
People Management in the Public Services (15 credits)
Practical and Theoretical Evaluation of Public Policy (15 credits)
Changing Public Services Organisations (15 credits)
Social Entrepreneurship (15 credits)
Internship Analytic Report (15 credits)
PPM Consulting Module (15 credits)
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
Our course is designed to give students a range of options with regards to their career once they graduate. Many students are focused on careers within the public & social sectors, and the combination of both applied and theoretical study throughout the MSc gives you a lot of tools to succeed in the job market.
Many of your peers on this course will be professionals within the public & social sectors, so you will have excellent opportunities to expand your network. We also have a thriving and engaged alumni community, further increasing your opportunity to network and learn from our past students.
We also have a dedicated careers consultant for this course, who can provide support and help you define your potential career options throughout your studies. There are also a wide range of careers resources available to all our students, giving you the best possible chance of accessing the career you want once you graduate.
You will receive excellent careers support and guidance from our KBS careers team to help you develop your employment potential whilst at King’s and after graduation.
The career destinations of former successful graduates of the programme include senior positions in government departments and public sector organisations across the world, as well as international NGOs such as the UN and major consultancy firms.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £8,475 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £17,900 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
- Graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Our course is designed to teach you how to use social science skills to analyse public service organisations, funding & management, and professional practice in the public services. You will also develop a comparative and international perspective on the political & historical origins of the contemporary public & social services sector. Our course provides an advanced interdisciplinary programme covering the management, organisation, funding, administration, and delivery of public services, with a focus on how policies are designed, developed, and implemented. You will develop key analytical skills and learn how to identify, tackle and solve problems relating to public service management, using appropriate methodologies and research techniques. This MSc offers the chance to explore key public service policy functions, such as public service organisation, health policy, economics, social entrepreneurship and leadership. We focus not just on political theory and economic analysis, but also on people management and organisation within public services, giving students a thorough and diverse base of knowledge and skills.
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Undergraduate degree with minimum 2:1 honours is usually required in social science related area e.g., management, economics, sociology or relevant experience in public sector management.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements for your application to be considered does not guarantee an offer as applications for this programme are very competitive.
In some cases, we may invite applicants to a remote video interview to assess their ability to successfully complete the programme. Interviews will be conducted by Public Policy and Management staff.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King's Apply if your application is being held.
In some cases, we may invite applicants to a remote video interview to assess their ability to successfully complete the programme. Interviews will be conducted by Public Policy and Management staff.
Personal statement and supporting information
Please provide a personal statement that shows how your own interests are linked to the programme. In this statement please describe your academic background, your reasons for applying for this programme and what you hope to gain from it, including any relevant experience, strengths, ambitions or research interests.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application.
We do not require a GMAT or GRE score to be provided as part of your application, but a well-balanced score may strengthen your application. For the GMAT Exam (10th Edition) we look for a score of 670+. For the GMAT Exam (Focus Edition) we look for 78% or 615. For the GRE, we look for a score of 324 with 70-75% in verbal reasoning. Please fill in the “Professional and Other Relevant Qualifications” section within the application form, and share your score with King’s College London on the verification site and upload a scan of your results or screenshot of the email confirming your results. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Seminars
Self-Study
Workshops
This MSc offers the chance to explore key public service policy functions, such as the organisation and economics of public services, regulation, health policy, managing non-profits, strategy, managing change, policy evaluation and leadership.
We draw upon varied teaching approaches – including lectures, workshops, case-studies, tutorials – delivered in excellent facilities. You will develop your group working skills through collective projects as well as individual study through innovative assessment.
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
The total contact time for each 15-credit taught module is typically 20-30 hours. These sessions will include lectures, teacher-led and student-led group discussions based on the main areas of study. Each 15-credit taught also module has approximately 120-130 hours of self-guided learning time.
Dissertation module are done in seminars and one-to-one supervision. Dedicating approximately 582 hours of self-study and project work.
Part-time study
Students are required to be on campus one day per week in terms 1 and 2, and in both year 1 and year 2.
Assessment
Throughout the degree students are assessed by a variety of methods, which include written examinations, coursework and individual or group projects and presentations for the taught modules. The dissertation submitted in September each year is worth 60 credits. Assignment feedback is provided within four working weeks of submission.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Full-time students will complete the course in one year. Part-time students should plan to take 60 credits of required taught modules in their first year and 60 credits of required dissertation in the second year. You are required to take:
Organisation & Management of the Public Services (15 credits)
Economics of Public Management (15 credits)
Research Methods in Public Policy & Management (15 credits)
The Public Policy-Making Process (15 credits)
Dissertation (60 Credits)
Short refresher courses in Mathematics & Economics (0 credits) – taken during Reading and Induction weeks
Optional modules
In addition, students take 60 credits from a range of optional modules which varies from year to year. The available options may include:
Leadership in the Public Services (15 credits)
Regulating Business and Society (15 credits)
People Management in the Public Services (15 credits)
Key Issues in Health Policy (15 credits)
People Management in the Public Services (15 credits)
Practical and Theoretical Evaluation of Public Policy (15 credits)
Changing Public Services Organisations (15 credits)
Social Entrepreneurship (15 credits)
Internship Analytic Report (15 credits)
PPM Consulting Module (15 credits)
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
Our course is designed to give students a range of options with regards to their career once they graduate. Many students are focused on careers within the public & social sectors, and the combination of both applied and theoretical study throughout the MSc gives you a lot of tools to succeed in the job market.
Many of your peers on this course will be professionals within the public & social sectors, so you will have excellent opportunities to expand your network. We also have a thriving and engaged alumni community, further increasing your opportunity to network and learn from our past students.
We also have a dedicated careers consultant for this course, who can provide support and help you define your potential career options throughout your studies. There are also a wide range of careers resources available to all our students, giving you the best possible chance of accessing the career you want once you graduate.
You will receive excellent careers support and guidance from our KBS careers team to help you develop your employment potential whilst at King’s and after graduation.
The career destinations of former successful graduates of the programme include senior positions in government departments and public sector organisations across the world, as well as international NGOs such as the UN and major consultancy firms.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £8,475 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £17,900 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
- Graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Key information
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180 / ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
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