McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy focuses on preparing future and current policymakers to tackle today’s most pressing policy issues with clarity, depth, and purpose. Located in the vibrant city of Montreal, with connections to leaders in Canada and internationally, our hands-on approach gives our students access to real-world experience.

By focusing on both theory and implementation, the 11-month Master of Public Policy strikes an unusual balance among programs of its kind. The MPP’s core courses give students a firm grounding in the ethical, legal, economic and political questions that dominate contemporary policymaking. Policy Case Studies — short, focused courses led by policy practitioners — allow students to explore real policy initiatives from every angle – including why and how they were designed, the political, economic and social considerations that shaped their evolution, and the coalitions of stakeholders that were critical to their success. Complexity Seminars help students understand a policy domain – whether it’s humanitarian action, artificial intelligence, industrial policy, or the energy transition – from multiple perspectives. And the Policy Lab — a capstone project instead of a thesis — pairs student teams with real policy clients to tackle the live issues confronting organizations in a variety of sectors.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to sharpen their analytical abilities and develop their teamwork skills, leaving them emboldened to make an impact. We foster a tight-knit community to support student learning, with regular opportunities to engage with faculty, guest speakers, and visitors to the School.
The Max Bell School also supports applied policy research and dissemination through initiatives like the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy, the Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge, the Quebec Homelessness Prevention Collaborative, and research streams in Canada-US relations, economics, sustainability, and more. Students can get involved in Research Assistant positions and by attending conferences and events.