What is international public policy?

As the world becomes smaller thanks to globalisation, the distinction between local and international is also starting to diminish. Public policy is a system of laws and regulations on certain topics of public interest, usually conceived by the government. Some of these areas include environmental policies, financial policies, international humanitarian law, and even those targeted towards health and well-being.

Those that work in policymaking understand that domestic and international policy are complex and increasingly intertwined. Therefore, it’s vital that those working in the realm of public policy understand it from both local and global perspectives.

As climate change, geopolitical issues, and food supply issues arise, there is a need to understand and untangle these complex problems in a systematic and diplomatic fashion. International public policy helps inform decision making through ideas about how various political institutions and public policies impact global affairs.

Why is international public policy important?

As previously discussed, public policy has a huge impact on the daily lives of people. Similarly, international public policy, has a massive impact on the lives of people across the world, as it dictates and informs each country of matters such as foreign relations.

International public policy helps solve relevant, real-world issues and is typically spearheaded by the government. This can have an impact on trade, economics, food supply, and even diplomacy, all while taking global interdependence into account.

What roles demand knowledge of international public policy?

People who typically study international public policy often find themselves working with international organisations like the United Nations (UN), World Health Organisation (WHO), IMF (International Monetary Fund), or foreign offices.

Additionally, those looking to work in government ministries or agencies, international NGOs, multinational corporations, think tanks, research institutes, consultancy firms, or even with local authorities will find that an MSc in International public policy will give them the range and insights to solve problems with a global – yet locally centred – perspective.

In terms of roles, those who have studied international public policy are likely to become policy officials, advisors, lobbyists, consultants, legislative aides, senators, elected officials, lecturers, or managers and/or project leaders in global companies.

How can an MSc in international public policy accelerate my career?

If you’re looking to change the lives of people for the better, an MSc in international public policy is one way to help get things done. International public policy has a big influence on how people around the world perceive and live out their lives.

Queen Mary’s University of London offers a part-time online MSc in International Public Policy which can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This course combines concepts theories and cases of public policy with a spotlight on international relations to make sure that students get an all-rounded knowledge of how decisions are made and implemented in an international public policy context.

Find out more about what it's like to study International Public Policy online:

During this two-year course, you will:

• Learn and apply different concepts and theories to past cases of international public policy
• Analyse the various issues and processes of policymaking at a global level
• Critically assess international public policy issues in different parts of the world
• Gain a multidisciplinary perspective when it comes to international developments
• Examine and justify the different successes and failures of international public policy
• Learn to make informed decisions when dealing with complex problems of international policymaking

If you’re ready to make an impact on a wider scale, explore our online, part-time MSc in International Public Policy: