Master in Social and Public Policy

For Master in Social and Public Policy, the tuition fee is 35,421 USD per year.

Policy Analysis Skills

Cardiff University offers a Master of Science in Social and Public Policy. This one-year program focuses on analyzing global challenges. Students learn to design and evaluate policy responses. The course examines policy issues in Wales, the UK, and internationally. It explores how governments and organizations address complex social problems. Students will interpret social science evidence. They will assess policy effectiveness and craft recommendations.

Course Costs and Dates

The yearly tuition fee for this program is 25,950 GBP. The program is taught in English. The full-time program starts on September 28, 2026. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. They normally close at the end of August but may close sooner.

Entry Requirements

Applicants need a 2:2 honors degree in a relevant subject. This includes humanities or social sciences. An equivalent international degree is also accepted. Applicants must provide a copy of their degree certificate and transcripts. English language proficiency is required. This can be shown with an IELTS certificate. An overall score of 6.5 is needed. This includes a minimum of 6.0 in all subskills. Alternative acceptable evidence, like a UK undergraduate degree, can be provided.

Learning and Assessment

The program is taught by active researchers. They are involved in policy advice with various organizations. Students learn through theoretical exploration and practical analysis. They will develop knowledge of policy formation, implementation, and evaluation. The course encourages critical thinking about policy responses in different contexts. It explores innovative solutions to urgent social issues. Graduates will be prepared for policy research, public administration, and consultancy roles.

Cardiff University, established in 1883 and located in the capital of Wales, is a research-led institution with a global reputation for high-quality, innovative scholarship. Home to more than 33,000 students, including over 9,000 international students from more than 100 countries, the university offers a vibrant, multicultural campus within a dynamic city. Teaching is informed by cutting-edge research, ensuring students learn from academic leaders who are active in advancing knowledge and addressing real-world challenges.

The university provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties, with roughly 266 programs available that span the arts, sciences, engineering, business, and health disciplines. Cardiff emphasizes a student-centered approach, offering strong academic support, opportunities for study abroad, and industry partnerships that help students gain practical experience. Many undergraduates benefit from international exchanges and placements that enhance employability and global perspective.

Cardiff’s civic mission prioritizes community engagement, sustainability, and public good, with initiatives that contribute to regional health, wealth, and wellbeing. The campus environment supports extracurricular involvement, research internships, and student societies that enrich campus life. For international applicants seeking a research-intensive university in a welcoming capital city, Cardiff combines academic rigor, global connections, and extensive support services to help students thrive.