Science and Technology Policy (with a professional placement year) (Taught)

1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

1st in the UK among science and technology policy think tanks for SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit (Global Go To Think Tank Index Report 2020)

1st in the UK for annual research income (Chartered Association of Business Schools 2025)

Advances in science and technology continue to transform the way we live. This makes designing effective policies for science and technology a priority for governments worldwide. The challenge is not just to advance science and technology, but to set directions and priorities for their development.

On the Science and Technology Policy (with a professional placement year) MSc, you’ll learn about the language, logic and tools of policy formulation and analysis. You’ll be taught by world-leading researchers and scholars, and benefit from the global networks enjoyed by the University of Sussex Business School and SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit.

You’ll investigate science and technology policy challenges, and learn to evaluate and recommend policy solutions. This includes:

• frameworks and tools to understand the complex dynamics of policy development

• critiquing and contributing to science, technology and innovation policy and industrial strategy

• analysing science, technology and innovation policy using an array of methodologies, from a number of perspectives.

Give your career a head start and gain real-world experience with our Guaranteed Internship Scheme.

Accreditation
You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School.

To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. This can be a fantastic opportunity to gain real-life insight into industry as well as skills valued by employers. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can help you:

• find an employer

• draft an application

• prepare for interviews.

Don’t worry if you’re not successful, you’ll simply transfer to a non-placement version of your course.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.