Overview

UBC’s professional Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program equips future policy makers with a profound understanding of policy-making processes through a solid foundation of rigorous knowledge acquisition, policy analysis, career development, and experiential learning.

With a full-time 20-month program, students in Vancouver’s UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs will gain expertise in one, or all, of our three main streams: Development and Social Change; Resources, Energy, and Sustainability; and Global Governance and Security. With the additional flexibility to choose a range of electives – including courses concentrating on Asia – students graduate from the program ready to address complex public policy challenges and drive meaningful change, both locally and globally.

MPPGA students will benefit from our unique curriculum which fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration by seamlessly integrating course-based learning and practical learning experiences. Complementing this, you will learn from our diverse faculty and policy practitioners at UBC, a top ranking university in both academics and action on climate change, in Vancouver, British Columbia, one of the greenest and most livable cities in the world.

What makes the program unique?

SPPGA’s MPPGA degree prepares future policy leaders with an informed perspective, critical and creative thinking skills, and professional networks qualifying them to work effectively with global policy establishments. Together, this toolkit will allow graduates to diversify and enhance their careers. The MPPGA program has a novel and broad approach to governance: going beyond government bodies to include a network of actors - NGOs, social enterprises, international institutions, and the private sector – that are target employers for graduates.

The program’s three streams allow for customization and specialization of global public policy and are reflective of UBC's unique strengths on Asia and sustainability in particular. Students will be exposed to global case studies in the areas of political, socio-economic and cultural change taught by some of the world’s leading public policy experts.

The program integrates learning and practical experience with a mix of field visits, workshops, and the intensive Global Policy Project, which provides opportunities for students to engage with policy makers and civil society to address a real-world policy challenge.

Meet a Representative

Application Workshop - Master of Public Policy & Global Affairs

Online
Tuesday, 4 November 2025 4:00 – 5:00 pm

This session is designed to provide you with all the essential information and guidance you need to prepare a strong application. You can expect to gain insights into the MPPGA program and understand how it can help you achieve your career goals, discover what to expect when applying online, learn about the prerequisites and requirements for admissions, understand the importance of strong reference letters and get tips on selecting the right individuals to vouch for your qualifications. In addition, you will learn about application DOs and DON’Ts, such as avoiding common application pitfalls and maximize your chances of acceptance with expert advice on what to include and what to avoid in your application. If you have any questions before the workshop, feel free to email us at mppga.program@ubc.ca. For more detailed information about the MPPGA Master Program, please visit our website. We look forward to assisting you in advancing your career!

Application Workshop - Master of Public Policy & Global Affairs - Nov 19

Online
Wednesday, 19 November 2025 9:00 – 10:00 am

Application Workshop - Master of Public Policy & Global Affairs - Dec 11

Online
Thursday, 11 December 2025 6:00 – 7:00 pm

This session is designed to provide you with all the essential information and guidance you need to prepare a strong application. You can expect to gain insights into the MPPGA program and understand how it can help you achieve your career goals, discover what to expect when applying online, learn about the prerequisites and requirements for admissions, understand the importance of strong reference letters and get tips on selecting the right individuals to vouch for your qualifications. In addition, you will learn about application DOs and DON’Ts, such as avoiding common application pitfalls and maximize your chances of acceptance with expert advice on what to include and what to avoid in your application. If you have any questions before the workshop, feel free to email us at mppga.program@ubc.ca. For more detailed information about the MPPGA Master Program, please visit our website. We look forward to assisting you in advancing your career!

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