Design and implement policies through conceptual frameworks, interdisciplinary evidence, and analytical methods
Design
Develop solutions for global crises at University College London
Welcome to
Cleveland State University, Levin College of Public Affairs
At the same time, rapid digital advancements are reshaping where and how we live and work, raising important questions about governance, security, and equity. Rising global temperatures, resource shortages, and food insecurity are straining communities, while health systems struggle to keep up with growing demands. At the same time, rapid digital advancements are reshaping where we live and work, raising important questions about governance, security, and equity.
So, what can we do about it? Scientists and engineers are developing solutions, from cleaner energy and smarter resource use to digital innovation, stronger health systems, and more sustainable cities. But to really make a difference, we need good policies that support these innovations. That’s where the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) at University College London (UCL) comes in.
At STEaPP, leading faculty merge science with policy to create solutions that work not just in theory, but in real life too. They lead a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed to create leaders capable of driving meaningful, research-backed change for a better future.
At STEaPP, leading faculty merge science with policy to create solutions that work not just in theory, but in real life too. They lead a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed to create leaders capable of driving meaningful, research-backed change for a better future.
Science, policy, and innovation — Together at STEaPP
Science and Engineering for Social Change BSc
The Science and Engineering for Social Change BSc is an interdisciplinary programme that nurtures scientific, engineering, social, and political knowledge. In just three years, you’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills for leadership roles in business, the public sector, non-profit organisations, and policy-making.
"The most pressing challenges that we now face require the integration of social, scientific, and technical knowledge. Our BSc will enable students to think more holistically about societal challenges."
Professor Joanna Chataway, Professor of Science and Technology Policy, UCL STEaPP
Advanced degrees for bigger impact
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Gain the critical frameworks, interdisciplinary insights, and analytical skills to develop science and engineering policies. With five MPA pathways at STEaPP, you can specialise in areas you’re most interested in. On all routes, you will learn how policies are shaped, how evidence is collected and managed, and how decisions are made.
Areas of study
Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy MSc (Distance Learning)
Looking for a flexible way to advance your career in science, technology, and policy? The 100% online Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy MSc programme lets you study from anywhere — full-time, part-time, or at your own pace over five years.
Tackle
Tackle regulatory challenges in fast-changing technologies
Apply
Apply diplomatic strategies to navigate stakeholder concerns
Communicate
Communicate effectively with science, technology, engineering, and public audiences
Graduates learn to:
Doctoral programmes
Big decisions need big thinkers. UCL STEaPP's Doctoral Training Programmes (DTP) nurtures world-class interdisciplinary researchers and practitioners who explore how science, technology, and engineering innovation influence policy and decision-making across diverse sectors.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
On this route, you will investigate how science and engineering knowledge can drive better decisions and solve global challenges.
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
The DPA combines interdisciplinary research skills with hands-on experience in policy settings — ensuring you graduate ready to immediately make an impact.
Hear from the students
The MPA at STEaPP helped me develop analytical skills in policy-making, project management and science and technology studies. This highly interdisciplinary programme allowed me to explore the nuances of digital technologies from different perspectives and disciplines. It ultimately prepared me to critically analyse the implications of various technologies in different Global South and Global North contexts.
The programme is also distinctly international, enabling me to develop networking skills among peers worldwide that further internationalise my career as a professional interested in public administration in its various forms. Ultimately, this programme strengthened my skills as a policy analyst and allowed me to expand the diversity of my research as a digital rights activist in Paraguay. It also paved the way for my career as a professional researcher, as I am currently enrolled in a PhD programme at UCL STEaPP.
Eduardo Carillo
MPA Alumni and current Doctoral student
Hear from the students
I chose the BSc Science and Engineering for Social Change because it was interdisciplinary, and I wanted to embrace my diverse interests and challenge conventional boundaries of study. This decision has allowed me to acquire valuable skills and seize unique opportunities, including working with Waltham Forest Council on a co-design project to enhance the services in their prestigious library. By collaborating with local residents and applying theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, I have gained practical insights that fuel my passion for impactful change.
Fareedah Oyekan
Current Second-year BSc Science and Engineering for Social Change student
Hear from the students
Hear from the students
I chose the BSc Science and Engineering for Social Change because it was interdisciplinary, and I wanted to embrace my diverse interests and challenge conventional boundaries of study. This decision has allowed me to acquire valuable skills and seize unique opportunities, including working with Waltham Forest Council on a co-design project to enhance the services in their prestigious library. By collaborating with local residents and applying theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, I have gained practical insights that fuel my passion for impactful change.
Fareedah Oyekan
Current Second-year BSc Science and Engineering for Social Change student
The MPA at STEaPP helped me develop analytical skills in policy-making, project management and science and technology studies. This highly interdisciplinary programme allowed me to explore the nuances of digital technologies from different perspectives and disciplines. It ultimately prepared me to critically analyse the implications of various technologies in different Global South and Global North contexts. The programme is also distinctly international, enabling me to develop networking skills among peers worldwide that further internationalise my career as a professional interested in public administration in its various forms. Ultimately, this programme strengthened my skills as a policy analyst and allowed me to expand the diversity of my research as a digital rights activist in Paraguay. It also paved the way for my career as a professional researcher, as I am currently enrolled in a PhD programme at UCL STEaPP.
Eduardo Carillo
MPA Alumni and current Doctoral student
Studying Digital Technology and Policy at UCL STEaPP has been an incredible experience. Our cohort comprises students from all over the world, and we’ve grown close, between all the group work and many of us relocating to London, it has become a tight-knit community. What stands out is how open-minded and engaged everyone is, always eager to discuss global challenges and dive into the policy implications of emerging technologies. The faculty brings a strong mix of academic and practical expertise, encouraging open, critical discussions and challenging us to think deeper. The MPA programme builds knowledge and cultivates a strong, supportive community of future policy leaders.
Jack Tracey
Current MPA Digital Technologies and Policy student
The MPA at STEaPP changed my life positively in so many ways. The connections I made there are invaluable and helped develop my international network. Since I became an alumna, I have published scientific articles, including one with Dr. Jean Christophe Mauduit (Associate Professor at STEaPP), and developed my communications skills by delivering a TEDx talk and a statement at the United Nations on the science-policy interfaces, all with the knowledge I learned at STEaPP. The school truly opened so many doors and gave me the confidence to achieve my goals.
Maria Esteli Jarquin
MPA Alumni from Costa Rica
I chose the BSc Science and Engineering for Social Change because it was interdisciplinary, and I wanted to embrace my diverse interests and challenge conventional boundaries of study. This decision has allowed me to acquire valuable skills and seize unique opportunities, including working with Waltham Forest Council on a co-design project to enhance the services in their prestigious library. By collaborating with local residents and applying theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, I have gained practical insights that fuel my passion for impactful change.
Fareedah Oyekan
Current Second-year BSc Science and Engineering for Social Change student
Hear from the students
An enriching experience awaits at University College London’s Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy.
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