Why study this course?
The St Andrews Master of Public Policy (MPP) will prepare you to address real-world problems using state-of-the art tools. You will be immersed in data analysis and learn to produce credible evidence for sound decision and policy making.
Hallmarks of the programme
- No prior undergraduate knowledge in economics, mathematics or statistics required, only interest and motivation to do quantitative policy analysis.
- Built from the ground up to incorporate Python and generative artificial intelligence as a coding tool for data analysis.
- Frequent writing assignments to hone communication and presentation skills.
- Substantial opportunities for networking, including biweekly Policy Seminars. The capstone Policy Symposium brings together students, academics and policymakers in a two-day event at the end of the programme.
- One of a handful of MPP programmes in the UK, unique in its focus on data analysis and policy evaluation.
- Earn an MPP in one calendar year.
Contact details for Programme Director, Professor David Jaeger, are available on his profile. You can also find out about his teaching and research interests.
Teaching
Interactive classes taught by world-leading lecturers that encourage independent and critical thinking. Instruction focuses on real-world examples and incorporates case studies with data analysis whenever possible.
Class size
Ranging from 5 to 30 students.
Policy-in-Practice project
Instead of a dissertation, you will work in groups in the Policy-in-Practice project to address a policy question for a domestic or international client.
Assessment
A mix of data analysis, written work, exams and group projects that allows you to demonstrate your skills in ways that are relevant to your future working life.
Modules
You will select from two electives in the second semester. Each of the electives will deal with a different area of policy. You will familiarise yourself with the fundamental policy interventions in the respective fields and the data and methods that are used to analyse those policies.
The list of module options is indicative. The exact list of electives will depend on staffing availability and staff interests but should include a mix of domestic and foreign policy alternatives. You may also be permitted to register for International Relations MLitt modules, depending on space availability.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Causal Inference for Policy Analysis: This module will provide foundational training in techniques for policy analysis on experimental and non-experimental data.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Cost–Benefit Analysis equips students with quantitative tools to evaluate public policies by measuring and monetising social costs and benefits, with applications in health, environment, infrastructure, and climate policy.
- Fundamentals for Policy Analysis: Coding, Mathematics, Statistics: This module is an intensive preparatory module providing foundations in Python programming, mathematics and statistics, and econometrics, with emphasis on practical data analysis, causal reasoning, and use of generative AI.
- Microeconomics for Policy Analysis: This module introduces microeconomics with an emphasis on policy applications. The emphasis is on case studies that illustrate the key theoretical points.
- Policy Ethics: This module surveys ethical issues in policy and policy research, including human subjects research, professional conduct, and economic and data-driven methods, while exploring fundamental questions of justice, democracy, expertise, and inclusion.
- Policy-in-Practice: This module prepares students for the Policy-in-Practice Project through training in professional policy work, including client communication, project scoping, and group workflows. It emphasizes professional accountability and responsibilty.
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- Machine Learning for Policy Analysis: Machine Learning for Policy Analysis introduces students to modern data-driven methods used in public policy. It emphasizes practical application, interpretation, and the ethical use of algorithms in policy evaluation.
- Survey Design: Measurement and Inference for Policy: This module develops students’ ability to design, analyse and interpret survey data for public policy. Students will learn to professional survey tools (Qualtrics) and Python to produce robust, ethical and policy-relevant evidence.
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The Policy-in-Practice Project is the culmination of the Master in Public Policy when you will work in small groups to produce a policy analysis report for a domestic or international client under the direction of an academic staff member.
Presentations of the reports will take place during the annual Policy Symposium in August.
What it will lead to
Careers
The St Andrews MPP will prepare you for careers in public service, non-profits and the private sector. Examples include:
Public sector
- Policy Analyst
- Budget Analyst
- Survey Designer
Non-profit sector
- Impact Evaluation Specialist
- Programme Design or Programme Director
Private sector
- Data Analyst
- Policy Advisor or Consultant
Why St Andrews?
Community and networking
You will be part of a community of scholars who are interested in making public policies more effective and evidence-based, while gaining quantitative skills.
You will meet policy-makers and practitioners at the capstone Policy Symposium, a two-day event held at the end of your degree. Biweekly policy seminars will bring leading academics to St Andrews to present cutting-edge research on policy evaluation and analysis.
Alumni
As a graduate of St Andrews, you become part of a prestigious and globally connected alumni community. This lifelong membership offers access to career services, networking opportunities and exclusive resources. Engaging with the University’s worldwide alumni network ensures you remain connected to St Andrews, no matter where your career takes you.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in any subject.
The qualifications listed are indicative of standard requirements for entry. Some academic Schools may require applicants to achieve higher grades than the standard to be competitive. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University takes a holistic view of every application.
If your qualification does not appear in the list, it may not meet the typical requirements for entry to this programme. You may need a higher-level qualification to be competitive, for example, a Masters degree.
English language requirements
Some applicants may need to provide an English language test score to evidence their English language ability. Find out who needs to provide evidence of English language ability. Details of acceptable tests and scores are provided below.
Test scores are only normally accepted if obtained within two years of the programme start date.
Application requirements
- CV
- a detailed personal statement which includes an explanation of why you want to study the programme, why you want to enrol at St Andrews, and future career plans
- an original signed academic reference
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
Fees and funding
- UK: Tuition fees have yet to be set.
- Rest of the world: Tuition fees have yet to be set.
Application fee
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
Alumni of St Andrews may also be eligible for the Graduate Discount on the remaining tuition fee balance. The award may not be used in conjunction with any additional scholarships or discounts.
Scholarships are also available from a variety of sources:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 19 August 2026