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 Science Public Policy
Course descriptionMSc
One year full-time, two years part-time
Programme description
This MSc is designed to provide you with an advanced theoretical and practical understanding of policy formation and implementation to Masters degree level. The programme is focused around current debates on policy-making, and public management in both developed and developing countries.
* What is the appropriate relationship between the public and private sectors?
* What is the significance of ‘partnership’ and the ‘new public management’ in the design and delivery of services
* How are policy decisions made and implemented?
* How can public policy deal with issues 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 work at the interface of service delivery and/or help shape the future policy agenda, either in a developed or developing country context, 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 module in Theories of the Policy Process. You will also take three further modules 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)
* 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 a personal supervisor to give advice and assistance for this part of the programme.