Government, Policy and Society MA (Hons)

Our Government, Policy & Society programme is designed for students interested in:<br/><br/><br/>* the content of public policy<br/><br/><br/>* the process by which policy is made<br/><br/><br/>* the impact of policy on society<br/><br/><br/>**Decision-making in government**<br/><br/>You will examine how politicians and civil servants make decisions and how they are restricted by resource constraints, such as: <br/><br/><br/>* developments in the global economy <br/><br/><br/>* market forces and existing institutions <br/><br/><br/>**Shaping social policies**<br/><br/>You will explore how crucial areas of social policy are shaped, such as: <br/><br/><br/>* health <br/><br/><br/>* education <br/><br/><br/>* inequality <br/><br/><br/>* welfare <br/><br/><br/>* employment <br/><br/><br/>You will study the relationship between government and society, and explore the ways in which various non-governmental actors try to influence policy. <br/><br/>You will also engage with the core debates on how to develop societies positively that divide political opinion. <br/><br/>This programme makes use of interdisciplinary learning to help you understand the interactions of multiple levels of government in the policy process. <br/><br/>**Examining social sciences**<br/><br/>You will engage with core concepts from diverse social science disciplines such as: <br/><br/><br/>* political science <br/><br/><br/>* social policy <br/><br/><br/>* sociology <br/><br/><br/>* economics <br/><br/><br/>* public administration <br/><br/><br/>You can then specialise in the specific policy areas that interest you. <br/><br/>**Why Edinburgh?**<br/><br/>Our expertise spans Scotland, the UK, the European Union, and international governments, as well as the connections between these levels. <br/><br/>Learning about the workings of government and the development of policy in Edinburgh, the capital of a powerful sub-state, is a highly enriching experience. <br/><br/>The University is on the doorstep of one of the most powerful sub-national governments and parliaments in the world. We are deeply embedded in a very open and vibrant public policy community.