International public policy vs public administration: Key differences

You’ve decided that you want to make a difference in how the world works and influence how individual nations manage their affairs. The question now is: do you opt to specialise in public policy or public administration? 

Read on to discover the differences and similarities between these two career choices to decide which route suits you best. 

What is public policy and public administration? 

It is easy to understand why there is sometimes confusion around these two distinct fields. Both careers potentially involve ‘civil’ or ‘public’ service, working for the non-profit sector for governments, governmental agencies and other public bodies to set the government agenda and ensure it runs smoothly. 

Both have a remit which covers the full range of activities associated with the running of individual countries, regions, cities, towns, and the world as a whole. This can include, for example: politics, diplomacy and security; finance, debt and investments; health and education; and energy and environmental affairs.  

However, at the most basic level, public policy guides the decisions taken by governments and other regulatory organisations, while it’s the job of public administrators to implement them.  

Public policy makers are therefore responsible for undertaking the research and providing the recommendations to set the direction and goals that governments want to achieve at a local, regional, national, international or transnational level in all areas of their public affairs.  

Public administration then carries out the planning, organising, directing, coordinating and monitoring of the government operations needed to deliver the agreed policies and goals, making sure those government services are delivered effectively and efficiently. 

Which one is right for me? 

While both career routes will allow you to help make change for the better, the type of skills needed, together with the activities and duties you’ll perform, differ substantially within these professions.  

If you enjoy directing research, undertaking data analysis and delving through complex information to uncover hidden issues and trends, draw conclusions and then come up with ideas to solve any problems you identify, your analytical and creative mindset would be ideally suited to public policy. You’ll also need good communication skills to present and explain your findings and recommendations to others. 

Alternatively, if you are adept at organising and managing activities and people, your excellent interpersonal skills and ability to lead and motivate others will benefit a career in public administration. Plus, you’ll still get to solve problems, by working out which are the most appropriate resources and actions needed to effect the changes required. 

What would I learn? 

On Queen Mary’s Online International Public Policy MSc, you gain an in-depth understanding of the processes, development, possibilities, and limitations of policy-making at an international levelin an international context. Studying some of the past successes and failures of international public policy, alongside key concepts and theoretical arguments, you’ll learn to make informed and substantiated judgements in a creative and systematic manner.

Furthermore, compared to other public policy programmes, the International Public Policy MSc gives you the opportunity to study alongside our International Relations MA students on some modules, as you also engage with some of the most interesting topics of study for International Relations scholars today.

Core modules include: Contemporary World Politics: Theories, Concepts, Themes; Theories and Concepts in Public Policy; Evaluation and Delivery in Public Policy; and Themes and Cases in US Foreign Policy or Globalisation and the International Political Economy of Development. 

While we do not offer a master's in public administration here at Queen Mary’s, this degree would typically provide guidance on how to navigate the logistical, organisational and interpersonal challenges that come up when enforcing rules or starting projects.

Content may include, for example, organisational theory and its practical application in state institutions, or the increasing need for accountability and transparency in government operations. It would also be possible for you to explore some of these topics independently, as you plan, research, and write your MSc dissertation.   

What are my career options? 

A postgraduate qualification in public policy will allow you to pursue a variety of political and non-political roles. You could, for example, choose to work for government departments, government officials or governmental agencies on anything from policy development, political and legal analysis, or public relations and communications. 

Successful completion of our International Public Policy MSc can open up opportunities within international organisations, such as the UN, WHO, IMF, or foreign office. The non-profit sector also needs individuals capable of conducting policy research, policy management, development and communication.  

Since a master’s in public administration provides more generalist skills, this degree is more likely to open up more diverse career options, not only in government roles and non-profit organisations, but also private businesses.

If you don’t have your heart set on public service, your organisational planning skills could benefit everything from logistics and events to human resources, retail or public affairs.  

Find out more about our International Public Policy MSc 

For more information about Queen Mary’s Online International Public Policy MSc, including entry requirements and module content, visit our course page: