Public Policy is an interdisciplinary field that covers several areas such as Economics, Law, Sociology, Politics, History and Geography. It is concerned with designing policies that are aimed at supporting and benefitting the public and since the government is responsible in taking care of the public and their needs, its job is to analyse, formulate and implement relevant policies in areas such as health, politics, climate, social issues, human rights, poverty and energy.

Students of Public Policy gain knowledge on how government bodies make policies for the general interest of the public and understand what factors affect these decisions. The study curriculum covers topics like the politics of public policy, economics, the social context of public policy, and the history and ethics of public policy. 

Additionally, Public Policy provides students with the opportunity to learn about important issues affecting society and to develop the skills necessary to make a difference. It focuses on helping students hone their ability to make practical judgements while dealing with a variety of problems, based on various real-life case studies and students will learn how to conduct research and come up with sustainable solutions to global issues.

Study Levels:

Offered at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level, Public Policy professionals typically study Economics, Sociology or Political Science at the undergraduate level, going on to do a Master’s in Public Policy.

The different courses offered by universities under Public Policy include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy and Management
• Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Policy and Politics
• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management
• Bachelor of Science in Public Administration
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Economic Policy
• Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Policy
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Global Politics and Policy Concentration
• Bachelor of Science in Urban and Public Affairs
• Master of Science in Law and Policy
• Master of Arts in Public Policy
• Master’s Degree in Economic Policy
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Public Policy
• Master Degree in Political Analysis and Public Policy
• Master of Science in Science, Technology and Public Policy
• Master’s Degree in International Policy and Practice
• Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy
• Master’s Degree in International Development and Public Policy
• MPhil in Public Policy
• Ph.D. in Public Policy
• Ph.D. in Government and Public Policy

Specialisations:

In the scope of Public Policy, choosing a specialisation is nor a formal requirement for students. However, some students choose to focus on a particular area in order to develop specific skills and knowledge in accordance with their interests and career goals.

The following is a list of the areas of specialisation under Public Policy.

• Social Policy
• Development
• Education Policy
• Environmental Policy
• Health Policy
• International/Comparative Policy
• Economic Policy
• Policy Analysis
• Public Policy
• State Policy
• Food Science Policy
• Public and Non-profit Management
• Science, Technology and Society

Employability:

A career in Public Policy is one that involves working with legislators, stakeholders and policy makers in order to study and improve laws and regulations. People working in this field are able to make a positive difference in their communities, solve important problems and develop solutions. While some public policy makers are actively involved in the political, economic and social process, others work directly with government leaders. Graduates have the opportunity to pursue careers in a range of sectors such as research and development, defence, education, local government, federal government, social advocacy, non-profit management, communication and many more.

Possible job titles for graduates include:

• Legislative aide
• Community relations coordinator
• Public affairs specialist
• Market researcher
• Political analyst
• Budget analyst
• Program manager
• Regulatory affairs manager
• Professor
• Sociologist
• Managing director
• Director of government affairs
• Officer of Foreign Affairs
• Human Resources Director
• Tax Examiner
• Public Administration Consultant
• Development Worker
• Fundraising Manager.