Overview
Recent problems have shown that the way many countries make their policies has some issues. This is especially true in Ireland. These issues are partly because the people in charge of making policies aren't always good at figuring out and carrying out these policies, especially in complicated and changing situations.
The Irish government, the European Union and other international organisations know about this problem. They're trying to get more experts in making policies to work with them.
To address this, DCU is now offering a special online course that covers different subjects and is made to help the new generation of policymakers. It's called the MSc in Public Policy, and it's a unique professional degree that focuses on both deep thinking and careful methods. This fits the needs of a society that is dealing with more complicated and nuanced challenges.
DCU People
I chose the MSc in Public Policy at DCU because of its strong reputation and focus on practical application.
Read more about Emmanuel Lalita
Careers & Further Options
Careers
The MSc in Public Policy offers a variety of modules that provide participants with a wide range of social science skills.
These skills include quantitative analysis, research design, economics and communication methods. They enable participants to develop, analyse, evaluate and effectively communicate public policies.
The selection of these modules has been done in close consultation with important stakeholders, including senior civil servants and ministers.
The aim is to ensure that graduates of the programme are well-prepared to assume leadership roles in the field of policymaking.
"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.
DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."
Entry Requirements
For admission to the MSc in Public Policy programme, successful applicants will have:
• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent,
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
Programme Structure
During the MSc in Public Policy programme, you'll complete four essential modules and select two additional modules from a set of choices. Afterward, you'll undertake a Policy Analysis Exercise, which is a new approach different from the usual dissertation. This exercise allows you to tackle actual policy issues given by public organisations, and you may even connect it to your current job.
The MSc in Public Policy provides graduates with the expertise and abilities needed to handle the policy challenges of the 21st century. These challenges include areas such as recovering from the social and economic impacts of the pandemic, addressing climate change and dealing with the consequences of Brexit.
The MSc in Public Policy (Education Policy) pathway is an online part-time ONLY (studied over two years) programme. It is designed to meet the requirements of a new generation of education and skills policy makers.
There will be up to 15 places offered on the MSc in Public Policy (Education Policy) pathway, the next intake will be September 2026.
When applying for the MSc in Public Policy, you have two options for how you want to study. You can go for the full-time course, which takes one year and is taught in person at DCU's campus. Alternatively, you can choose the part-time course, which spans two years and is entirely conducted online.
- We consider public policy analysis as the practical application of the social sciences. This viewpoint is central to how we teach our courses and assess students.
- The programme is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct, understand, and communicate professional policy analysis, primarily in the public sector and related fields.
- We use problem-based learning (PBL) as a teaching method. This means you'll become well-versed in the latest developments and scientific foundations of a relevant field, see how these concepts work in practice through case studies, and then apply this knowledge to solve specific problems.
- We aim to prepare you for the professional world by encouraging collaboration with your fellow students. This involves defining problems together, identifying the necessary data to address them, and distributing the workload in a fair and efficient manner.
Why do this Programme?
- Career Opportunities: Join the growing community of professional policy experts working directly with government agencies at the state, national, and international levels. Alternatively, become a policy specialist in the private sector or civil society organisations, which increasingly require expertise in public policy.
- Become a Policymaker: Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a policymaker or a well-informed participant in the policymaking process. This includes quantitative analysis, policy design and implementation, research methodology, communication skills, understanding of law, and policy analysis.
- Specialised Expertise: Enhance your expertise in specific policy areas, allowing you to focus on your particular interests or career goals.
- Real-World Experience: Gain practical experience in policymaking across a range of fields by engaging with civil society organisations, local authorities, public agencies, and government departments.
- Networking: Build valuable relationships and contacts with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, including specialists and policymakers. This network will provide you with a competitive advantage as you establish your career in the field of public policy.
Why Choose DCU?
- Leverage Expertise: Benefit from the collective knowledge and innovation of Ireland's most forward-thinking university.
- Small Class Sizes: Enjoy a more personalised learning experience with smaller class sizes, and study alongside a diverse group of students.
- Interactive Learning: Experience an engaging and problem-focused teaching approach, promoting active participation in your education.
- Accessible Professors: Connect with approachable professors who bring real-world expertise in their respective fields to your education.
- Employment Connections: Access valuable links to potential employers and tap into a network of successful alumni, opening up opportunities for your future career.
Fees and Funding
Fees
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application:
- Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
- If applicable, evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
- Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025
- Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
If you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2025
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.
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