The MSc Policy Studies focuses on analysing the activities of government, especially those policies relating to the welfare state. You'll develop an advanced understanding of political, economic and social contexts of policy-making, and be trained in the skills needed to analyse and research policy decisions and outcomes. The programme is popular internationally, and you'll study in a setting where students from various backgrounds learn from the policy experience of their own and each other's nations. As a recently devolved polity, Scotland is an exciting place to observe contemporary developments in government, and Edinburgh hosts democratic institutions that will inform your studies. Graduates will have a sound knowledge of theories, principles and political and economic contexts of policy-making; the ability to use different quantitative and qualitative research techniques; a detailed understanding of substantive areas of social and public policy. Past students have gone on to employment in the Scottish Government, social research, housing associations, local government, and in other public and private sector bodies, both locally and internationally.