Postgraduate Diploma International Public Policy

During this course, you'll explore the development, possibilities and limitations of international policy-making, including cooperation issues, the impact of international law and norms, and the role of international organisations and non-state stakeholders in policy-making.  

After successfully completing the course, you’ll be able to:

• Critically analyse the processes, problems and possibilities of policy-making at an international level
• Apply concepts and theoretical arguments to concrete cases of international public policy
• Assess and explain the successes and failures of international public policy
• Deal with the complex processes of international public policy-making in a creative and systematic manner, and make informed and substantiated judgements
• Combine conceptual, theoretical and empirical materials in the analysis of international public policy
• Pursue a meaningful career in public policy at an international organisation such as the UN, WHO, IMF, or foreign offices

All assessments for the course are based on coursework and submitted online. Assessments will be primarily in the form of research essays, report-writing and a dissertation.
As a student at QMUL, we encourage you to play an active role in your acquisition of skills and knowledge. We use a mixture of online tutorials, discussion forums and group webinars designed to generate informed and engaging discussions.

Module leaders will set assessments appropriate to the content of their module, which will usually take the form of a research essay or critical evaluation. They will also be available to advise and support you throughout the course. The final dissertation (MSc only) will involve more in-depth study and independent research on a topic agreed on with your supervisor.

Independent study

• At QMUL, we take your studies seriously, and in return, we hope you’ll do the same.
• Each week, you’ll need to invest additional time on individual study. This could be spent preparing for or following up on formal study sessions, reading, producing written work, completing projects, or undertaking research for your dissertation.
• The direction of your individual study will be guided by the formal study sessions you attend, along with your reading lists and assignments. We expect you to demonstrate an active role in your own learning by reading widely and expanding your knowledge, understanding, and critical ability.
• Independent study helps foster the ability to identify your own learning needs and determine which areas you need to focus on to become proficient in your subject area. This is an important transferrable skill that will help you throughout your working life

Enrollment Cycles

• May 2024
• September 2024