UCL MPA programmes - Develop the expertise, practical skills and connections to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change.

From climate change and global development to digital transformation and healthcare innovation, today's biggest challenges need people who can connect evidence, technology and policy to deliver effective solutions.

UCL's Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) offers four specialist MPA pathways designed to equip you with the knowledge, analytical skills and practical experience to influence decision-making and shape policy for a changing world.

Whether you're looking to advance your career, move into public policy or deepen your expertise in a particular field, our MPA programmes bring together interdisciplinary learning, leading academic expertise and real-world policy experience.

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Find your pathway

Explore four specialist pathways and focus on the policy challenges that matter most to you. Each offers a distinct area of specialisation, while the flexible programme structure allows you to explore modules across other pathways and tailor your studies to your interests and career ambitions.

• Climate, Innovation and Sustainability Policy MPA. Explore the policy challenges surrounding climate change, sustainability and innovation, and how policy can support the transition towards a more sustainable future.
• Development, Technology and Innovation Policy MPA. Examine the role of science, technology and innovation in addressing development challenges and shaping more inclusive and sustainable futures.
• Digital Technologies and Policy MPA. Explore the opportunities and challenges created by digital technologies, and how policy can respond to their impact on society, institutions and the economy.
• Health Technology and Public Policy MPA. Consider how health technologies, innovation and public policy intersect, and how evidence can inform decisions about healthcare and health systems.

Explore our MPA pathways

Learn through real-world experience

Go beyond theory and put your learning into practice.

Through a Group or Individual Project, you'll work on a real-world policy challenge with an external partner from policy, industry or research previous partners have included World Health Organisation, Arup, UNESCO, Save the Children and more! Apply your knowledge to practical problems, engage with different perspectives and develop the analytical, interdisciplinary and leadership skills needed to make a difference.

You'll learn to evaluate evidence, develop policy options, navigate complex challenges and understand how decisions can be translated into action.

Who is the MPA for?

Our MPA is designed for ambitious individuals with a passion for problem-solving and leadership who want to shape the future of public policy. This programme is designed for professionals at any stage of their career, these programmes will empower you to shape innovative solutions to complex societal challenges.

Where could an MPA take you?

Depending on your chosen pathway, opportunities could include:

• Climate, Innovation and Sustainability: Work in government, environmental agencies, think tanks, climate startups and sustainability consultancies. Graduates have secured roles at national ministries of energy and environment, Sylvera and Envision Energy.
• Development, Technology and Innovation: Pursue policy, regulatory and analytical roles in international development, government, advocacy, think tanks and consultancy. Graduate destinations include the International Monetary Fund, Cancer Research UK and SRI International.
• Digital Technologies and Policy: Explore careers in technology companies, government, regulatory bodies and international organisations. Graduates have gone on to work at Ofcom, TikTok and IBM, with 96.2% achieving relevant full-time employment or further education 15 months after graduating.
• Health Technology and Public Policy: Apply your expertise across health policy, research, innovation and consultancy in the public, private and charity sectors. Graduate destinations include RAND Europe, EY, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, DHSC and Cancer Research UK.

Hear from our community

Meet our alumni and students and discover how they are applying their expertise to real-world challenges across policy, science and technology.

Listen to the STEaPP Chat podcast to hear their experiences, career journeys and perspectives on driving change across sectors, from sustainability to digital transformation.

Scholarships and funding

UCL offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for eligible postgraduate students. Explore the available options and find out more about funding your studies.

Explore UCL scholarships and funding