Entry requirementsApplicants will normally be expected to have a good honours degree, preferably in a relevant field of study. But we do consider applications from non-graduates with experience and ability if they are nominated by their employers. We are happy to advise informally on whether you are likely to be eligible for admission. If you are employed in the UK, expect to complete your programme over two years, attending one day a week in term time. You should ensure that you allocate sufficient time to cope with the out of class requirements. Overseas officials and students without employment responsibilities complete their programme in one year, attending for two days in term time.
Academic titleMaster in Research Public Policy
Course descriptionMRes
One year full-time, two years part-time
Programme description
This MRes degree is designed to provide you with an advanced theoretical and practical understanding of policy processes and to offer a grounding in research methods up to PhD level. The programme is focused around current debates on policy-making and public management in both developed and developing
countries.
* How are policy decisions made and implemented?
* What are the implications of adopting an ‘evidence-based’ approach to policy evaluation?
* How reliable is the data that comprises most public policy research?
* What research methods are appropriate for policy analysis in an environment of cultural diversity and value conflict?
These are the sorts of questions that you will explore in both theoretical and practical terms. If you wish to develop skills in policy analysis and to further a research career in academia, in the civil service or the private and voluntary sectors then this programme is designed with your interests in mind.
This programme is for recent graduates looking for transferable skills relevant to the public, voluntary or private consultancy sectors as well as practitioners looking for enhanced skills and knowledge in public management.
Programme outline
The programme draws on the wide expertise of staff members from across the department. You will take the core modules Theories of the Policy Process, and Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. You will also take one further module from the options listed below. On satisfactory completion of your exams you will prepare an independent dissertation of 15,000 words on a public policy topic of your choice. Each individual student will be assigned a personal supervisor to give advice and assistance for this part of the programme.
Core modules:
* Theories in Policy making process (30 credits)
* Qualitative Research Methods (30 credits)
* Quantitative Research Methods (30 credits)
* Dissertation (60 credits)
Study options include:
* International Public Management
* Policy Analysis for the Developing World
* Implementation and Evaluation
* Case Studies in British Policy Making.
Assessment
Core modules are assessed by unseen written examination. Optional modules are assessed by written coursework only. On satisfactory completion of your exams you will prepare an independent dissertation of 15,000 words on a topic of your choice. Each individual student will be assigned personal supervisor to give advice and assistance for this part of the programme.