Master program in Public Policy

The world faces enormous challenges, such as tackling climate change, improving living conditions for the world’s poor, strengthening international security, and ensuring that new technologies such as AI promote equality and prosperity. Our Master program in Public Policy (MPP) is designed for those who want to tackle these and other challenges head on. The program provides the multidisciplinary toolkit and the practical skills you need to design, implement and evaluate policies that address the defining challenges of our time.

Our MPP program is the first program of its kind in the Nordics. But there is no better place to study public policy in practice. The Nordic countries have historically demonstrated that economic dynamism and social sustainability are not in tension. Open markets, strong institutions, equality, and high levels of trust reinforce each other. The Nordics is a living laboratory for the study of public policy that works - although it grapples, too, with what does not.

Stockholm sits at the center of that laboratory. As Sweden’s political and economic capital, the city concentrates government ministries, regulatory agencies, and one of Europe’s most innovative business ecosystems within a few square kilometers. Students do not just study policy here - they encounter it, debate it, and engage with the people who actually make it. 

SSE itself occupies a distinctive position in this landscape. Few institutions in the world combine research excellence with such deep, sustained ties to both the private sector and the public sector. Since its founding, SSE’s mission has been to strengthen Sweden's competitiveness. We believe a country’s competitiveness, properly understood, depends as much on the quality of public institutions as the vitality of its markets.

Beyond the academic training, you will work on real-world policy challenges through case studies, assignments, and projects in close collaboration with external organizations. Throughout the program, you will also learn from experienced decision-makers and senior policy experts that participate in our fellowship program. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own role in the policy-making process, to develop an understanding of diverse perspectives and contexts, and to act in an entrepreneurial and responsible way. Over the course of the program, you will develop the skills needed to shape world-class public policy that truly works for the communities you aim to serve.

The first year is built around a set of academic core courses. These courses are not taught in isolation: running throughout the year, and integrated directly with your coursework, is a hands-on policy project in which you work with a government agency or other organization to tackle a real policy challenge they face. A parallel skills track further develops your abilities in oral communication, AI-assisted writing and negotiations.

In the second year, the focus shifts to your individual professional trajectory. Through a wide range of electives and international exchange opportunities, you can tailor your degree to your goals, and a professional internship provides hands-on experience to put your learning into practice.

Professional support from SSE

At SSE, you will be connected with our career coach who will serve as a guiding light, offering insights, advice, and strategic planning to help you navigate the path from education to a fulfilling career. You will additionally gain access to the SSE Career Hub, offering resources such as CV reviews, interview training, workshops, and real-world industry insights. You also have the possibility to join the MSc Mentorship Program, where a top professional becomes your mentor to guide your transition into professional life and help you build a strong network. Read more here!

After graduation

We are proud of our graduates and the choices they make with the opportunities afforded them. A degree from SSE opens doors to a wide range of careers and advanced studies. Meet our graduates from other programs here.

Career opportunities

MPP graduates are particularly well-equipped for roles in the following types of organizations and fields:

European Union institutions
National government and agencies
Regional and local government
International organizations
Non-governmental organizations & think tanks
Public affairs firms and management consultancies

Meet the Program Director

👉🏽 This is Robert Östling - Program Director for the MSc program in Public Policy and Professor in the Department of Economics and House of Governance and Public Policy.

Learn more about research in public policy at SSE

SSE has several research institutes that study governance and public policy. Learn more about them by visiting the House of Governance and Public Policy at SSE.