The Philosophy, Public Policy and Social Change MA will provide you with the ability to analyse the design and ethical orientations of a range of public policies using core philosophical skills in argumentation, critical reading, and clear and precise writing. Students who successfully complete the MA will have developed a detailed understanding of a range of central philosophical debates related to ethical trade-offs in the design of policies, and how to measure and effect change. A diverse range of module options are available, which will allow you to explore your own interests.
This MA is open to graduates from all disciplines who are interested in thinking philosophically about public policy and social change. We would expect you to have some prior background or interest in either philosophy or public policy, or effecting social change, whether through academic study, employment, or lived experience.
If you are a philosophy graduate who is aiming to develop a career in academic philosophy, you may consider applying for the two-year Philosophical Studies MPhil Stud, which is the route to the PhD at UCL.
The Philosophy, Public Policy and Social Change MA will equip you with the skills to analyse complex ideas, develop independence of judgement and originality of thought, present views lucidly both orally and in writing, and question orthodox views. You may choose this MA as a precursor to a career in NGOs, local, regional or central government, businesses or the charity sector, but these skills are important across all workplaces. In addition, this course provides a basis for graduates to boost their profile in engaged philosophy, should they wish to apply for a research degree.
Graduates from this MA will be able to think rigorously and creatively about the principles that underpin attempts to make positive improvements, whether through government action, business or the non-profit sector. These skills are sought after by employers both in the public and private sectors.
Recent alumni of taught graduate courses in the department have gone on to work in the fields of teaching or other educational activities (14.3%), academic research and HE (11.4%), publishing, journalism, or translation (8.6%) and policy and government (5.7%). They have gone on to work for employers such as the Houses of Parliament, the NHS, for UK and European universities, the Museum of London and the Metropolitan Police Service.*
Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) , looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2018–2024 cohorts.