Questions for the MPP Director
Dr. Eve Hepburn, Deputy Director of the Academy of Government and Programme Director of the Master in Public Policy (MPP), answers your questions.
Why choose the MPP at the Academy of Government?
The Academy of Government is the first professional school for public policy in the UK. It provides an exceptional environment for study which is genuinely at the interface of policy and practice. Our MPP programme offers our students a unique mixture of academic rigour and real-world relevance, providing the knowledge, skills and hands-on training required for a career in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Today's policy problems require innovative and hands-on approaches. That's why we bring an interdisciplinary approach to policy analysis, drawing upon leading faculty and expertise from Social and Political Science, Business, Law and Economics, and supported by officials from the Scottish Government and the voluntary sector. We also offer unique insights into the challenges of multi-level policy making and public administration, a focus which is vitally important at a time when public sector policy- and decision-making faces increasingly complex challenges.
What will an MPP degree prepare me for?
The Academy of Government's MPP degree provides rigorous preparation for the challenges of public leadership, providing students with the analytical skills needed to address the political, economic and organisational aspects of complex policy problems. Our MPP students are given a solid foundation in a wide range of substantive policy areas, as well as professional training in leadership and management skills.
The combination of academic excellence and practical experience offered at the Academy of Government provides an excellent launch-pad for students seeking to pursue a career in the domestic and international policy community. Our MPP graduates are ideally placed to go on to careers in international institutions, research and think tank organisations, consulting firms, non-governmental organisations, national and regional government, party politics, and advocacy and lobby organisations, among others.
Why should I study in Edinburgh?
The Academy of Government's location in the heart of Edinburgh offers a unique living and learning experience. The Academy is both Scottish and international, with strong links and placement opportunities in the Scottish Government and Parliament, as well as the EU, USA, and developing world settings. Beyond the University, the city of Edinburgh offers many attractions for Academy of Government students and academics - including its wide range of national museums and galleries, stunning architecture, music and theatre, and easy access to beautiful countryside. There are lots of details about the City, and a full range of links to other sites on our Campus Life page.
This page was published on 23 August 2011
