Centre for Financial and Management Studies

Postgraduate Certificate in Public Policy (Distance Learning)

Key information

Duration
1-year (Max. 3-years)
Start of programme
October / January / April / June
Attendance mode
Distance learning (part-time)
Fees

PGCert: £3,640

Course code
OLTF0030
Entry requirements

You should have a recognised UK Bachelor's degree, or international equivalent, in a social science discipline. Qualifications in other subjects will be assessed on their merits. Your application may be considered if you have previous education and experience, equivalent to a degree-level qualification, which includes suitable preliminary training. All international applicants must be able to show that their English is of a high enough standard to successfully engage with and complete their course at SOAS. 

See distance learning English requirements

Course overview

Formulated for people working in policy-making and advisory capacities, this Certificate provides an overview of the variety of approaches to public policy and management from a historical and comparative perspective.

The modules move through techniques of policy analysis and implementation to discussion of particular policy issues. The module materials cover a range of policy issues and a variety of socio-economic contexts, levels of government and regime types.

If you have any further questions about the overall programme content and its suitability for you, please email dladmissions@soas.ac.uk

Why study Postgraduate Certificate in Public Policy (Distance Learning) at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 38th in the UK for Accounting and Finance (Complete University Guide 2023).
  • We're ranked 6th in UK for graduate employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • Programmes are delivered by a multicultural and international teaching body, who regularly publish in top international journals.
  • You will develop an excellent understanding of key issues shaping international business strategy
  • You will be joining our community of alumni and academics who have an impact on the outside world of academia.

How to apply

Please read our online and distance learning how to apply guidance, and use our online form to submit your application directly to us for consideration.

Structure

You can study any two of the following modules:

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes. However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. 

Modules

Teaching and learning

The programme takes a minimum of 1-year to complete. Each module lasts 10 weeks. You are registered for a maximum of 3 years.

Key dates and calendar

To find out when a particular module is running, please view the study calendar on each individual module page.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees 2022/23 

PG Cert (2 modules) 
£3,640

Fees are inclusive of all required resources. Whilst we incorporate all of the costs into your module fees, depending on your country of residence, you may incur local costs such as: fees paid to local examination centres for sitting your examinations.

Fees may increase each year, therefore may be higher in subsequent years of study. See online and distance learning fees for further information.

Pay as you learn

Our distance learning programmes can be paid in full at the time of enrolment (thus avoiding any subsequent rise in fees).or on a pay-as-you-learn basis. Pay as you learn means you only pay for the module you are enrolling on. 

Employment

Graduates in Public Policy are likely to work in government, at national and sub-national levels, both as politicians and officials, within international organisations offering help to governments, in consultancies in public sector analysis and reform, and in NGOs operating in development and service delivery fields.