Study area

Study Public Policy, Government & International Studies Abroad

How governments work, how policy is made and how states, institutions and people interact across borders.

Explore specializations

Explore specializations

23 specializations

Why study Public Policy, Government & International Studies?

Public policy, government and international studies examine power, institutions and decision-making at local, national and global levels. The subject includes Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration and Governance, together with internationally focused areas such as International Relations, Diplomacy, International Development, Human Rights and Strategic Studies.

Students learn to analyse political systems, evaluate policies and understand conflict, cooperation and development. Research methods, policy writing, negotiation and case studies of real crises are common, and many programmes include simulations, internships or projects with public bodies and NGOs.

The subject suits students interested in current affairs and public service who enjoy argument, reading and analysis. Studying in another country can be especially relevant, offering first-hand experience of a different political system and access to the institutions, embassies and international organisations based there.

Career pathways

Where can this take you?

Depending on the specialization and route, career pathways can include:

  • Policy Analyst
  • Civil Servant
  • Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer
  • Development Programme Manager
  • Political Researcher
  • Public Affairs Adviser
  • International Organisation Officer
  • Human Rights Officer
  • Humanitarian Coordinator
  • Political Risk Analyst
  • Migration and Refugee Specialist
  • Legislative Researcher
  • Think Tank Researcher
  • Campaign Manager

Pathways depend on the specialization, qualification, country and experience. No particular outcome is implied.

Industries

Where these skills are used.

  • National & Local Government Ministries, departments and local authorities designing and delivering public services.
  • Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Foreign ministries, embassies and consulates.
  • International Organisations Institutions working on development, security, trade, health and human rights.
  • NGOs & Humanitarian Organisations Organisations delivering aid, advocacy and development programmes.
  • Think Tanks & Research Institutes producing analysis on policy and international affairs.
  • Public Affairs & Consulting Firms advising organisations on policy, regulation and political risk.
  • Security & Intelligence Public bodies and analysts working on international security.

Employers

Policy and international affairs professionals work across organisations such as:

  • United Nations
  • World Bank Group
  • OECD
  • European Commission
  • UNDP
  • UNHCR
  • International Organization for Migration (IOM)
  • International Committee of the Red Cross
  • Chatham House

Organisations are listed in no particular order. This is not a ranking or endorsement, does not imply any partnership with Application Abroad, and is not a guarantee of employment.

Looking ahead

What's changing in this field?

Public policy and international studies are evolving as governments respond to overlapping challenges. Students may increasingly study climate policy and the energy transition, migration and displacement, geopolitical competition, and the resilience of supply chains and democratic institutions.

Technology is receiving growing attention both as a policy area and as a tool. The regulation of AI, data and digital platforms, cybersecurity, disinformation and the use of data and behavioural insights in public services all connect politics with technical knowledge.

Other emerging areas include global health governance, business and human rights, peacebuilding, and new forms of cooperation between public, private and civil society actors. Analysts who combine policy understanding with quantitative skills, languages or regional expertise may find these combinations useful. Evidence-based policy and evaluation methods are also becoming a standard part of professional training.

Where to study Public Policy, Government & International Studies

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Study Abroad Consultants for Public Policy, Government & International Studies

Consultants who list Public Policy, Government & International Studies among the study areas they support.

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Listings are not rankings or endorsements. Check services and fees directly with each consultant.

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