Master's · UCL Political Science
UCL's International Public Policy MSc is a one-year course in the Department of Political Science that starts in September 2027. Its page asks for an upper second-class degree, ideally in political science, international relations, law, European studies, history, philosophy, economics or a related subject. The compulsory core pairs International Public Policy with qualitative and quantitative methods and a dissertation, and applications are considered in two rounds.
2027-28 entry · Official information
Taken from the UCL graduate course page for the International Public Policy MSc (Department of Political Science, course starts September 2027) and read on 3 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
The minimum is an upper second-class Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Applicants should ideally have a background in political science, international relations, law, European studies, history, philosophy, economics or a related subject.
Relevant practical or work experience in a related field may also be taken into account.
Students take one qualitative and one quantitative methods module, at introductory or advanced level depending on prior training, alongside International Public Policy and a dissertation.
Because the course typically receives a large number of applications, they are considered in two discrete rounds. UCL emails the applicant to say which round they are in.
Applicants who require a visa apply between 19 October 2026 and 21 May 2027. Applicants who do not require a visa apply between 19 October 2026 and 25 June 2027. Both close at 5pm UK time.
When it is necessary to calculate a final average mark, the department will calculate all years of undergraduate study.
Official sources
Read on 3 November 2026 on the UCL graduate course page for the International Public Policy MSc (Department of Political Science, course starts September 2027), which describes 2027-28 entry. The English language requirements, the country-specific equivalent qualifications, the part-time details, the contact-hours and assessment details, the fee and funding sections and the application guidance pages were not read and are not stated.
Fit
The page frames the course around theory and empirical tools for how policymaking operates. The readings below mix UCL's wording with Avandy's judgment, and the labels say which is which.
Named backgrounds. The course covers how policymaking operates across international relations, political science, public policy and comparative politics.
The page says applicants should ideally have one of the named backgrounds or a related subject. Practical or work experience in a related field may also be taken into account.
The page describes theoretical foundations, empirical tools and analytical skills, with compulsory methods modules and a dissertation. If your aim is professional leadership development, compare it with professional policy courses before choosing.
Decision
The core is fixed, and the choices are in the options and electives.
International Public Policy, one qualitative and one quantitative methods module, and a dissertation.
Two optional modules from a list that includes International Political Economy, Energy and Climate Policy, Theories of International Relations and Foreign Policy Analysis, and two electives from within the department or elsewhere at UCL.
Because the methods modules are placed by prior training, state your quantitative and qualitative methods background in the statement, since it may decide which level you take.
Application
The page lists what UCL would like to learn and explains how applications are reviewed.
Why you want to study International Public Policy at graduate level and at UCL, what attracts you to the course, how your personal, academic and professional background meets its demands and where you want to go professionally.
After reviewing your application UCL emails you to say which round you are in, if applicable, and when to expect a decision or update.
Because all years of undergraduate study count when an average is calculated, do not rely on a strong final year to offset an earlier weak one. Apply early within your closing date, since applications are reviewed in two rounds.
Planning
The page describes a September 2027 start, and the dates above belong to that cycle.
Check your degree against the named backgrounds, list your methods training, request two references and decide which closing date applies to you. Re-read the page before submitting, because UCL says module content and availability can change.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with University College London or any of its departments. Support sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the published requirements of each course. No outcome is promised.
Questions
An upper second-class Bachelor's degree or equivalent, ideally with a background in political science, international relations, law, European studies, history, philosophy, economics or a related subject.
Yes. Students take one qualitative and one quantitative methods module, at introductory or advanced level depending on prior training.
Yes. The page says applications are considered in two discrete rounds, and UCL emails you to say which round you are in.
For applicants who require a visa, at 5pm UK time on 21 May 2027; for those who do not, at 5pm UK time on 25 June 2027.
The page says the course requires two references.
Students and families
Tell us about your degree, your grades, your relevant experience and the master's courses you are weighing. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare the application.
