Jagiellonian University has introduced a part-time, English-language master’s program in Public Policy and Management aimed at graduates of bachelor’s studies who wish to deepen their skills in designing and implementing public policies. Over the course of four semesters, students engage with political science, law, economics and management tools in a structure that blends online and on-campus learning. This article outlines the program’s structure, curriculum, facilities and career paths, providing prospective candidates with a clear picture of what to expect.
The Public Policy and Management master’s at the Faculty of Management and Social Communication covers two academic years (four semesters) and confers the degree of magister. Delivered in English and offered in a part-time (niestacjonarne) format, the program features an academic profile with the following key elements:
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Language of instruction: English
Profile: general academic
Degree awarded: magister
Leading discipline: management and quality sciences
Designed for flexibility, the program adopts a hybrid model in which three-quarters of classes take place online. This format allows students—both in Poland and abroad—to access lectures and seminars virtually while attending essential workshops and group projects on site at the historic Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the Renewal of the Jagiellonian University. The balance between remote and in-person sessions fosters an international learning environment and accommodates professional commitments.
At its core, the curriculum integrates theoretical foundations of public policy with modern management practices. Students explore:
Principles of policy design and evaluation
Public resource management
Economic and legal frameworks for public administration
Analytical techniques, including big data and artificial intelligence
Decision-making processes in domestic and global contexts
Practical case studies and project work are embedded in each module, ensuring that graduates emerge with both academic knowledge and hands-on analytical skills.
The Faculty of Management and Social Communication is housed in a contemporary building on the 600th Anniversary Campus. Facilities available to students include:
Fully equipped lecture halls and exercise rooms
Computer laboratories with licensed software for data analysis
A modern faculty library continuously updated with Polish and English publications
Student media outlets: UJOT.TV and UJOT.FM
Numerous academic clubs reflecting the faculty’s interdisciplinary reach
This infrastructure supports a learning atmosphere where theory and practice intersect seamlessly.
All Public Policy and Management classes are delivered under the auspices of the Institute of Public Affairs. The Institute’s mission is to conduct research on public sector functioning and to train managers for public and non-governmental organizations. It collaborates with municipal, regional and national authorities, as well as civic groups dedicated to public sector modernization. Through these partnerships, students gain exposure to real-world policy challenges and networking opportunities.
Graduates of the program acquire a versatile skill set that positions them for roles across sectors. They gain the ability to analyze social and political issues, design policies, manage public resources and apply technological solutions in decision-making. Typical employment opportunities include:
Positions in public administration (local, regional, national)
Roles in international organizations and think-tanks
Posts at research institutes and consultancy firms
Strategic advisory roles in private companies affected by public policy
Management and specialist functions in non-governmental organizations
These career paths reflect the program’s emphasis on analytical rigor and practical competence.
By combining interdisciplinary academic training with a flexible hybrid delivery, Jagiellonian University’s Public Policy and Management master’s program equips graduates with the tools to navigate and shape public policy in varied environments. Its blend of online accessibility, modern facilities and close collaboration with practitioners fosters a learning experience tailored to the needs of today’s policy professionals.