Careers in innovation and public purpose
If your ambition is to transform public policy, guide innovation ecosystems, or lead systemic change, the Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value MPA will give you the tools to do just that.
Equipping changemakers to transform public policy and innovation
At the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, we train the next generation of policymakers, economists, researchers, and strategists to think critically, challenge convention, and lead public institutions with purpose. Our graduates go on to shape transformative policies and innovation systems around the world.
100% of our graduates were in highly skilled work 15 months after graduation, working across 9 countries in roles that directly contribute to public value creation and societal progress (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-22).
Where do our graduates work?
Our graduate step into influential roles across a wide range of sectors, united by a drive to create public value and systemic change. Whether shaping policy in national governments, advancing academic research, driving innovation within international NGOs, or consulting on public sector transformation, our alumni bring fresh thinking to complex global challenges. Equipped with mission-oriented and systems-based approaches, they build careers that make a tangible difference to people and planet.
Roles our graduates take on include:
- Researcher
- Innovation Policy Advisor
- Functional Manager / Director
- Economist / Statistician
- Social Scientist
- Public Relations Professional
- R&D Manager
- Sustainability Consultant
Our graduates have gone on to work with organisations such as:
- University College London
- Canadian Government
- Centre for Local Economic Strategies
- City of London Corporation
- Eden Project
- Urban Renewal Authority
Alumni story: From Canadian policy to global innovation
Charles McIvor, now Innovation Policy Analyst at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), joined the Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value MPA after four years working in Canada’s federal government, driven by a desire to expand his ability to shape complex policy systems.
The MPA offered me was a chance to deepen my thinking, learn from world-class academics, and gain fresh perspectives on how policy can respond to complex systems.
At the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, Charles explored systems thinking and mission-oriented innovation, drawing inspiration from Professor Mariana Mazzucato’s work. He also took cross-disciplinary electives in science, technology and innovation policy, enriching his perspective on how governments can better coordinate innovation ecosystems.
After graduating, Charles continued public service in Canada before moving to Paris to join the OECD, where he now works on international innovation and industrial policy.
I still apply what I learned at the Institute, especially around how governments can better coordinate efforts and design smarter innovation ecosystems.
His advice to future students;
This is a focused and unique course, ideal for anyone genuinely interested in how public institutions can shape markets and tackle big challenges. If that’s the direction you want to go in, it’s a brilliant foundation.
Looking ahead, Charles sees the global policy landscape shifting;
There’s more emphasis now on national competitiveness, rather than purely societal challenges. But the principles I learned at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, like systems thinking and coordination, are just as relevant, if not more so.
Tailored careers support at The Bartlett
As part of The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, students of the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose benefit from specialised careers guidance alongside UCL Careers services:
- One-to-one career coaching
- Skills workshops on CVs, interviews, and networking
- Insightful policy panels and alumni-led discussions
- Access to consultancy projects with public institutions and NGOs.
Our graduates complete their studies equipped not only with rigorous academic training, but also the professional skills and strategic mindset to lead in public purpose-driven careers worldwide.
Study Innovation and Public Purpose
Study with world-leading thinkers and prepare for a career that delivers real change in policy, finance and governance. Explore our MPA and MPhil/PhD.
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