Thanks for this post! As someone looking to apply to the UK Civil Service in the future, it’s really useful to have a resource like this :)
One question I have is whether you have a sense of the value of a Master’s program in public policy. In particular, are you aware of many/​any positions where having a Master’s is either required or would significantly increase the chances of a successful application?
I’ve never seen a position that requires a Master’s. A Master’s in public policy is definitely a positive but relevent experience can be even more valuable.
The Civil Service will not take into account where you got your Master’s, so getting a very prestigious qualification won’t help you as much as it might at other organisations.
If you join the Civil Service and think a Master’s could help you do your job better, the Civil Service might subsidize your degree.
I’m also a current UK Civil Servant and agree with Kirsten. I don’t think doing a Masters in public policy is going to do much to help your application. Obviously, there can be lots of good reasons to do one, but I wouldn’t treat as a major factor it helping you get into the UK Civil Service.
Thanks for this post! As someone looking to apply to the UK Civil Service in the future, it’s really useful to have a resource like this :)
One question I have is whether you have a sense of the value of a Master’s program in public policy. In particular, are you aware of many/​any positions where having a Master’s is either required or would significantly increase the chances of a successful application?
I’ve never seen a position that requires a Master’s. A Master’s in public policy is definitely a positive but relevent experience can be even more valuable.
The Civil Service will not take into account where you got your Master’s, so getting a very prestigious qualification won’t help you as much as it might at other organisations.
If you join the Civil Service and think a Master’s could help you do your job better, the Civil Service might subsidize your degree.
I’m also a current UK Civil Servant and agree with Kirsten. I don’t think doing a Masters in public policy is going to do much to help your application. Obviously, there can be lots of good reasons to do one, but I wouldn’t treat as a major factor it helping you get into the UK Civil Service.