Science, Technology and Policy

Science and engineering play an increasingly important role in national and international public policy making, in the sense of helping decision-makers to identify and understand societal challenges and assessing potential solutions.To contribute effectively to policymaking in such areas, science and engineering skills are essential, but so are academic skills in policy analysis. Policy analysis is a distinct academic field that draws on concepts, models, and methods from economics, political science, psychology, and other social sciences. The programme is designed for students with at least a BSc degree in natural sciences or engineering (including mathematics and architecture), with a strong interest in taking an active role in policymaking.The MSc STP curriculum focuses on developing policy analysis skills, advancing science and engineering skills in one of five possible areas, case study seminars and elective courses, as well as a Master’s thesis.Students will acquire skills to systematically analyze societal challenges at the interface of science, technology and policy, develop and assess policy-options for addressing such challenges, and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of policies that are being implemented.This combination of science, engineering, and policy analysis skills is in high demand, particularly in governmental agencies, technology and life sciences firms, industry, consulting firms, international organizations, NGOs, and academia.