Leeds - Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast*
From music venues and art galleries to parks, shopping and transport – we’ve got it all. We also have the best-paying jobs outside of London.
*The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Course Overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
12 Months -
16 Sep 2024
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Develop knowledge of the origins, evolution and contemporary dynamics of policy making and challenges to it
- Gain in-depth understanding of public policy informed by current scholarship and research, including a critical awareness of current issues, theories and developments
- Study the concepts, theories and methods used in the study and practice of public policy
- Consider issues from a range of disciplinary perspectives
- Understand the implications of complexity, risk and uncertainty in policy-making
- Use a range of techniques and research methods and digital literacy skills to access, process and evaluate information
- Apply your knowledge with originality and creativity
- Explore how new knowledge is created and synthesised by producing a dissertation
Your academic community
We're a dynamic academic community where students work alongside staff to engage with diverse voices, changing lives in the process. We engage with diverse voices through learning and research and uncover solutions that change people's lives for the better. You’ll be supported in your transition to postgraduate study by research-active tutors, with specialisms in public policy.
Your learning experiences
You’ll learn through a diverse range of activities, in settings that could include seminars, group work, presentations, problem-based projects and briefs, tutorials, and online activities on the university’s Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll be encouraged to broaden your learning through opportunities such as the Politics & International Relations seminar series and Festival that will give you access to outsider speakers.
Why study Public Policy at Leeds Beckett University...
- Research-active teaching team with specialisms in public policy
- A diverse and dynamic academic community
- Specialist knowledge of public policy and policymaking
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
You’ll develop an understanding of and holistic approaches to policy making through the practical, problem-orientated and multidisciplinary teaching. You’ll work closely with a range of stakeholders from local and national government, the private and third sectors, and academia, to devise responses to a range of actual public policy challenges. Working in small groups, you’ll deploy knowledge of theories of the policy process and of the reality of policy complexity. This will give you a better understanding of the nature of contemporary public administration.
Understand where public policy comes from, with a focus on historical and political antecedents. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of the key theories of the policy process, including the roles of a variety of key actors and institutions. You’ll also develop an understanding of shifting policymaking paradigms in British Politics. In so doing, you’ll better understand why we get the policies we do, and how to influence the future course of public policy.
Consider how projects fit within strategic and programmatic approaches to change, and how they are ethically designed, developed, and funded. This module will introduce you to the essential components of project management, including project cycle, logical frameworks, communication, stakeholder engagement and evaluation. You’ll develop key skills in project management, funding proposals and communication using authentic sources and case studies.
Develop a critical understanding of research as a practice and a product. This module will enable you to gain a critical understanding of the nature of knowledge and offer general training on research approaches, including key theoretical, ethical and practical considerations.
Engage in critical depth with a research-based project aligned to your personal and professional interests.
What you'll learn
Study the different organs of the state and their relationship to each other and the individual. You’ll focus on constitutional law including key ideas such as separation of powers, rule of law, parliamentary sovereignty, and the royal prerogative.
This module will focus on the policy process and key challenges for health and policy makers. You’ll understand contemporary issues and topics as a mechanism to analyse various aspects of the policy process. Using case studies of current issues you’ll think critically about the policy-making process, and consider the challenges for health promoters working within a variety of policy contexts.
Analyse and assess the connection between research, policy and practice within the areas of punishment, rehabilitation, desistance and recovery from substance misuse. The real-world application of this module will enhance your employability as you develop knowledge and skills related to this sector. You’ll study both governmental institutions as well as non-governmental agencies working in rehabilitation.
Explore the possibilities and challenges of taking gender seriously within the international realm. You’ll study key theoretical, conceptual, empirical, and practice debates surrounding the role of gender in international politics.
Gain in-depth understanding of the key contemporary issues in the UK criminal justice system. This module will focus on the history and development of contemporary criminal justice and the emergence of the state police. You’ll explore contemporary policing, punishment and sentencing, prison and youth justice agencies. Through analysing the construction of both the offender and the victim and inequalities in criminal justice pertaining to race, class and gender, you’ll appraise the concept of justice. You’ll address some of the challenges posed by social and political developments for the future of criminal justice including, risk, globalisation, privatisation, and the rise of the digital age.
Youth and Community Work is facing the challenge of constant change, responding to the needs of policymakers, funders and increasingly disparate and diverse communities. This module will provide a critical understanding of the social and political changes that are taking place in post-Brexit Britain, the rise of populist politics, and a range of tensions and concerns that exist in an increasingly uncertain world.
Explore the contested conceptualisation of human rights, via universalist/relativist and cosmopolitan/communitarian debates, and locate the theorisation of rights within the broad schools of international relations thought. You’ll study the tensions that emerge through the institutionalisation of rights at an international level, the operation of sovereignty and the politics of rights at a group and individual level.
This module will provide an overview of the key issues faced by policy makers in urban management. You’ll explore the interdependence of social, economic and environmental issues and take a critical approach to understanding strategies for tackling urban disparity at local levels.
Gain a detailed understanding of the values and qualities associated with effective leadership in the modern housing and regeneration professions. The module will link leadership theories to innovation and change in the delivery of urban management.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,350
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9350. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£17,500
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,350
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9350. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Travel, accommodation and sustenance associated with your dissertation, research projects or data collection (the cost will vary depending on your topic and individual project and you could choose to undertake a project that does not have any associated costs or conduct it in a cost-effective manner)
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary, sometimes trips are free, but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£17,500
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Travel, accommodation and sustenance associated with your dissertation, research projects or data collection (the cost will vary depending on your topic and individual project and you could choose to undertake a project that does not have any associated costs or conduct it in a cost-effective manner)
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary, sometimes trips are free, but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Dr Jolanta Shields
Lecturer / School Of Humanities And Social Sciences
Jolanta Shields is a Lecturer in Politics at Leeds Beckett University and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She previously worked at the University of Manchester, where she completed her ESRC funded PhD on the role of Community Interest Companies in the English NHS.
This research-led, employability focused, and flexible course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to pursue an exciting career in a variety of public policy-related fields.
Dr John Willott
Principal Lecturer
Dr John Willott
Principal Lecturer / School Of Humanities And Social Sciences
John is the Postgraduate Course Director for Politics & International Relations, and current research expertise is refugee integration, employment and education.
Career Prospects
You’ll have in-depth understanding of public policy and policymaking. This skillset, along with your developed teamwork, communication and collaborative skills, means you’ll be primed for roles such as:
- Civil servant
- Policy officer
- Local government officer
- Social researcher
- Political and policy advisor
Transferable skills in critical thinking and applying concepts, theories and methods in analysis will mean you’re equipped for roles across government, public, private and third sector organisations.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
