MSc Science and Technology Policy

Master of Science (MSc) Science and Technology Policy

University of Sussex, UK

With students from all over the world, the Master of Science and Technology Policy and other SPRU postgraduate courses provide aspiring professionals with the knowledge and skills to analyse and guide policy, as well as to manage scientific change and technological innovation within public-sector organisations, non-governmental organisations and companies. The Science and Technology Policy MSc is the world’s oldest and most comprehensive introduction to this important field. 

University/Institution

Sussex University, Science Policy Research Unit

Degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Aims of the Study Program

This course aims at providing a solid foundation in the language, logic and tools of policy analysis, enabling the students to investigate specific science and technology policy challenges across public policy, industrial innovation and strategy and to evaluate and recommend policy solutions. 
These skills together with SPRU’s high-level connections and global networks, will equip students for careers in a range of public-, private- and charitable-sector organisations working to tackle important economic, social and environmental challenges.

Topics / Content

Students investigate specific science and technology issues arising across public policy, industrial innovation and strategy, and learn to recommend policy solutions. The relationship between evidence and policy is multifaceted and this Master Course offers frameworks to understand its complex dynamics and to contribute effectively to policy development.

Curriculum

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give them a solid grounding in the chosen subject and prepare them to explore the topics that interest you most. 
The core modules are the following (modules may be subject to change):

  • Introduction to Statistical Research Methods
  • Perspectives, Methods and Skills for Science, Technology and Innovation Studies
  • Policy Making and Policy Analysis
  • Science, Technology and Innovations: Markets, Firms and Policies
  • Science, Institutions and Power
  • Degree Dissertation (Science and Technology Policy)

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests, for example Energy Policy and Sustainability; Governing and Using Technology for Development; Infatstructure and Innovation; Science, Institutions and Power.

Time to complete

You can choose to study this course full time or part time. 
1 year full time, 2 years part time

Start of studies

September

Requirements and Admission

A lower second-class (2.2) undergraduate honours degree or above in social or natural sciences, the humanities or engineering (for international applications). Applicants with relevant professional experience will also be considered.
English language requirements: Standard level (IELTS 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each section). Other language qualifications accepted can be found here

Scholarships

A number of generous Masters scholarships are available for international students, including the prestigious SPRU 50th Anniversary Scholarship worth £10,000.
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/masters/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships
Target Group
Undergraduate honours degree or above in social or natural sciences, the humanities or engineering, with the aim to gain employment in governments, or businesses and NGOs all over the world.

Deadlines for application

There is no specific deadline and applications are considered until the course is full.

Further information and contact persons

Contact:

Course enquiries
+44 (0)1273 872717
pgbmec@sussex.ac.uk

Admissions enquiries
+44 (0)1273 876787
pg.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk

About the study program