Public Policy and Governance (Political Science)

The Public Policy and Governance track prepares students to meet demands for effective and legitimate public action in complex and often controversial political settings. The programme helps students develop as critical analysts and innovative designers by linking research and practice, theory and action on the ‘shop floor’ on the local, national, European, and international levels. Opportunities are provided to study policy work at and across these levels.

• Are you interested in how problems become political and prompt public action? 
• Do you wonder about how the professionals and public officials responsible cope with the complex and changing demands that these problems set?
• Do you want to learn more about how learning and innovation develop as public policy is made and implemented?

Then the Master's programme in Public Policy and Governance might be the perfect programme for you.

Three reasons to study Public Policy and Governance at the University of Amsterdam

The Public Policy and Governance track provides a unique opportunity to study public policy and governance in the context of a political science programme.  This setting strengthens the link between policy problems and ongoing social and political developments. 

The Department of Political Science is is the largest in the Netherlands, which provides our students with a wide array of coursework and opportunities for thesis research. 

The student body is international, providing the opportunity to study and develop within a diverse community.

Student profile

Are you interested in how public policy is made and put into practice? Do you want to learn how to conduct research that contributes to the development and implementation of policy and to reflect on the practical arrangements in which policy gets made?  If so, this Master's programme might be for you! The programme is intensive and rigorous and students are expected to develop a capacity to work independently and in group settings.

Career prospects

Students typically find a career in public organisations (government , as well as non-governmental organisations), policy advisory bureaus, consultancy firms, multi-nationals, and other companies.

Ambition in research?

For students interested in this field of study, we also offer a two-year Research Master’s programme in Social Sciences.

Degree certificate

Public Policy and Governance is a track of the accredited degree programme Political Science. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in Political Science and the title Master of Science (MSc).

Key facts