Admissions Open 2024

M.A. Public Policy

M.A. Public Policy

TWO YEARS PROGRAMME

About The Programme

The M.A. Public Policy programme offered by Jindal School of Government and Public Policy (JSGP) is an interdisciplinary programme that prepares students to navigate complex policy environments. The M.A. in Public Policy and Governance programme covers a broad range of contemporary political, economic and social issues and offers students a strong theoretical foundation and practical experience to address them.

The curriculum is designed to equip students with the necessary analytical and managerial skills required to be effective in the policy-making process. Graduates of M.A. Public Policy can pursue a wide range of career paths in public service, non-profit organisations, and the private sector. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on experience, and exposure to the real-world policy-making process, students are prepared to become future policymakers and public leaders.

What is Public Policy?

Public policy is a set of principles and guidelines that guide the decision-making process of government officials and institutions. It encompasses the laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern society and shape the way people live, work, and interact with one another. Public policy aims to promote the common good and improve the quality of life for all citizens.

Scope of M.A. in Public Policy

A unique and innovative online degree that prepares you to become a leader and a change-maker in the complex and dynamic policy environment 

An interdisciplinary and comparative perspective on public policy, with a special focus on developing economies  

A world-class faculty and experts, who will equip you with the theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and practical exposure to address the contemporary political, economic, social, and environmental challenges  

A wide range of electives, such as economic policy and reforms, environment policy, social policy, governance, and international relations, to tailor your learning to your interests and goals  A master’s dissertation, which will enable you to apply your learning to a real-world policy problem and conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor 

Many career opportunities in the public and private sectors, as well as in academia, civil society, and media, as a policy analyst, consultant, researcher, manager, advocate etc.

What Makes It Different at JGU

As the first public policy school in India to offer a 2-year full-time M.A. in Public Policy programme, JSGP provides a unique opportunity to students to gain a deep understanding of public policy issues and to learn practical skills that can be applied to solve policy problems. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to make a positive impact on society and contribute to the public good.

The M.A. in Public Policy programme also benefits from JGU’s research-intensive environment and on-campus research centres, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and innovative ideas. Additionally, JSGP has established extensive academic networks and collaborative projects with top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Cornell, Harvard, Indiana, and Yale, enabling students to gain a global perspective on public policy issues.
At Jindal School of Government and Public Policy (JSGP), one of the best university for Masters in Public Policy, students have the unique opportunity to work on a Capstone Project, which sets it apart from other public policy schools in India. The programme places students with reputable organisations, where they work on real-world projects under the guidance of mentors. This hands-on experience allows students to gain valuable insights into the development and policy sectors.

To be eligible for the M.A. Public Policy programme at Jindal School of Government and Public Policy, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a UGC recognised university in India or abroad, and there is no work experience requirement or age limit. Even those who will complete their bachelor’s degree in 2022 are eligible to apply.

Selection for the programme will be done through a two-round admissions process, which will include a closed book examination followed by a faculty interview.

The M.A. Public Policy programme at Jindal School of Government and Public Policy (JSGP) is a two-year interdisciplinary programme that aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience necessary to excel in the field of public policy.

The curriculum is designed to enable students to approach contemporary political, economic, and social issues in a comprehensive and coherent manner, utilising both quantitative and qualitative methods. The programme is structured to prepare students for a successful career in public service, non-profit organisations, and private sector organisations that work in collaboration with the government. The curriculum includes core courses in public policy, economics, statistics, and political philosophy, as well as electives that allow students to specialise in specific areas of interest.

In the second year, students have the opportunity to work on a Capstone Project, Dissertation, or choose additional electives to deepen their knowledge. Overall, the M.A. Public Policy programme at JSGP prepares students to become effective policy-makers and leaders in the public and private sectors.

  1. Comparative Health Policy and System Analysis
  2. Complex Adaptive Systems Economics Approach (CAS)
  3. International Economic Organisations & Policy
  4. Indian Development – founding years to today – Politics versus Policy 2020
  5. Legal Empowerment of the Poor
  6. Sustainable Development Policy and Applied Spirituality
  7. Comparative Political Economy of Welfare
  8. Urbanisation and Development
  9. Dynamics Of Global Change and Local Responses
  10. Financing Health Care Services
  11. Political Economy and Global Health
  12. Sustainable Development Goals
  13. Applied Econometrics I
  14. Environmental Health: Policy and Practice
  15. Sustainable Cities: Risks, Vulnerabilities and Reliance in a
  16. Changing Climate
  17. Urban Housing, Community, and Public Policy
  18. Survey Research Design and Analysis
  19. Democratic Governance: Theory and Practice
  20. Education Policy in India
  21. History of Policymaking and Social Mobilisation in India
  22. Development Economics
  23. Wellbeing and Development
  24. Evaluation Methods
  25. Applied Econometrics 2
  26. Science & Technology Policy

JSGP recognises the importance of internships in preparing students for a successful career in public policy. That’s why the school has a dedicated team of faculty and staff to assist students in obtaining internships that align with their interests and career goals. Students are required to complete two to three internships, providing them with hands-on experience in the development and public policy sectors.

The M.A. Public Policy programme equips graduates to work in a wide range of fields, including development and public policy organizations, CSR initiatives, academic institutions, think tanks, NGOs, media, and political organisations. JSGP alumni have gone on to successful careers in prestigious organisations such as the UNDP, World Health Organisation (Geneva), NITI Aayog, Centre for Policy Research, PRATHAM, Teach for India, Observer Research Foundation, CUTS-Jaipur Public Policy Division, Centre for Public Policy Research (Kochi), Centre for Budget and Government Accountability (CBGA), Centre for Budget and Policy Studies (CBPS), and Public Affairs Centre (Bengaluru).

JSGP is a vibrant and active hub of student-led initiatives and clubs that foster critical thinking, policy debates, and social entrepreneurship. SOCH is one such student-driven initiative that organises regular screenings of documentaries and films followed by discussions on issues related to politics, society, and international relations. Similarly, Policy Corner is an online writing platform where students discuss local, national, and global policy issues with a wider audience, providing a platform for debate and deliberation. The Public Policy Club provides students with hands-on experience in applying theoretical learning to real-life challenges, while Enactus fosters socially responsible entrepreneurship among JSGP students, empowering them to create sustainable business plans that address some of the most pressing problems of the world.

These student-led initiatives not only enrich the academic experience of JSGP students but also contribute to their personal and professional development.

FAQ's

1. What is the scope of a Masters in Public Policy in India?

A Masters in Public Policy in India is a highly sought-after degree that prepares students for careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Graduates of Masters in Public Policy programmes are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyse and address complex policy issues. They can work in a variety of roles, including policy analysts, research associates, consultants, and programme managers.

2. What are the best universities for an M.A. in Public Policy and Governance in India?

Some of the best universities for an M.A. in Public Policy and Governance in India include:

Jindal School of Government and Public Policy (JSGP), O.P. Jindal Global University: JSGP is a leading institution for public policy education in India. The school’s M.A. Public Policy programme is highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and strong alumni network.
National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP): NIPFP is a premier research institution in India that also offers an M.A. Public Policy programme. The programme is known for its focus on economic policy and its strong research orientation.
Centre for Policy Research (CPR): CPR is a leading think tank in India that offers an M.A. Public Policy programme in collaboration with Ashoka University. The programme is known for its emphasis on practical policy analysis and its strong connections to the policymaking community.

3. What are the admission requirements for an Masters in Public Policy and International Relations at Jindal School of Government and Public Policy (JSGP)?

The admission requirements for the M.A. Public Policy programme at JSGP are as follows:

Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% marks
Strong academic record
Relevant work experience (desirable but not mandatory)
Good command of English
Successful completion of the JSGP Admissions Test (JSAT)

4. What is the course structure for the Masters in Public Policy at JSGP?

The M.A. Public Policy programme at JSGP is a two-year programme that consists of core courses, electives, and a capstone project. The core courses provide students with a foundation in public policy theory and analysis. The electives allow students to specialise in areas of their interest, such as development policy, environmental policy, or social policy. The capstone project is a hands-on research project that allows students to apply their knowledge to a real-world policy issue.

5. What are the career opportunities available after a Masters degree in Public Policy?

Graduates of M.A. Public Policy programme have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. They can work in a variety of roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Some of the specific career paths that graduates may choose include:

Policy analyst: Policy analysts analyze public policy issues and develop recommendations for policymakers.
Research associate: Research associates conduct research on public policy issues and prepare reports for policymakers and researchers.
Consultant: Consultants provide expert advice to governments, businesses, and non-profit organisations on public policy issues.
Programme manager: Programme managers oversee the implementation of public policy programmes.