Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

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Co Requisite Comment

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Aims

The aims of the module are to:
1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of Public Policy at multiple levels of analysis:

- Provide students with a robust foundation in public policy concepts and theories across local, regional, national, and international levels.

- Enable students to grasp the policy cycle and the roles of various actors in policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation at different governance levels.

- Provide students with opportunities to interact with policy-makers at different levels, ask questions about their experiences, and incorporate these insights into policy analysis.

- Instil a strong sense of ethical responsibility in students, emphasizing ethical considerations in policy making across all governance levels.

- Prepare students for emerging trends and innovations in public policy, encouraging creative problem-solving and the proposal of evidence-based solutions to policy issues.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module provides students with an in-depth understanding of public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation at the local, regional, national and international level. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, case studies, and guest lectures from experienced policymakers, students will gain practical insights into the challenges and opportunities involved in public policy making.

Topics may include:
- What is public policy? What is the policy cycle?
- What are the main theoretical approaches to public policy?
- Who are the key actors involved in policy making across governance levels?
- What are the interests of these actors, and what constraints do they face?
- How are policies formulated?
- How are policies implemented and diffused?
- How are policies evaluated?
- How to write for policy?
- How to provide evidence-based policy recommendations?
- What are the existing challenges and debates in areas such as health, welfare, security, and the environment?

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Critically understand the challenges and opportunities involved in the policy-making process from the perspectives of researchers and practitioners.

2. Recognize the key actors involved in policy-making in a given area, understanding the importance of public consultation and stakeholder engagement for effective policy development.

3. Describe the key concepts and theories used in policy analysis, including the stages of the policy-making process, as outlined in the policy analysis literature.

4. Apply various concepts and theories used to understand policy-making, implementation, and evaluation to real-world cases at the local, national, regional and international level.

5. Evaluate the usefulness of existing concepts and theories through the analysis of empirical cases involving qualitative and quantitative evidence.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Enhance practical skills in policy analysis, evaluation, and stakeholder engagement, including to:


Module Specific:
> Understand core public policy concepts and theories.

> Acquire skills to analyze, evaluate, and recommend public policies, incorporating practical experiences through workshops, case studies, and projects.

> Learn methods for effectively involving communities and interest groups in policy decisions through workshops, case studies, and projects.


Cognitive/Intellectual:
> Manage and prioritise relevant knowledge and data independently.

> Analyse and evaluate existing arguments, and formulate independent arguments.

> Think critically and independently to establish personal viewpoints within ongoing debates.


Transferable skills:
> Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

> Organise complex information efficiently and analyse key aspects.

> Collaborate effectively in teams, manage conflicts, and appreciate diverse learning styles.

> Recognise and respect cultural differences in learning environments.

> Reflect on personal progress and identify lifelong learning and career development needs.

> Manage time effectively, balancing multiple demands and meeting deadlines.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The workshops will familiarise students with essential concepts and theories in public policy, as well as with key actors involved in policy-making at the local, regional, national and international level.
Whenever appropriate, the module will feature guest lectures by policy practictioners and stakeholders, either in person or though video calls, providing students with opportunities to understand policy making from a practical perspective. Workshops will offer a live, interactive setting to discuss readings and lectures, to combine theoretical knowledge and practical insights to understand existing policy issues, and to enhance skills in problem-solving and teamwork. Small group discussions of real-world cases will provide students with opportunities to (1) apply various concepts and theories to better understand policy-making, implementation, and evaluation at multiple governance levels; (2) evaluate the usefulness of existing concepts and theories for policy analysis; and (3) incorporate practical insights into policy analysis. Workshops will include structured activities like case studies and guided tasks using primary sources, such as policy documents and data, to deepen students' insights into the challenges of policy development and implementation in practice.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students are tasked with writing two policy briefings based on evidence-backed recommendations for a chosen public policy issue from a provided list, with an option to select an alternative issue upon module convenor approval. This exercise, mirroring real-world analysis post-graduation, enhances employability and presents a significant intellectual challenge. It requires engaging with theories and evidence differently than in standard academic essays, to persuade a specific policy audience by presenting one's analysis in a clear and concise manner. Students will receive guidance and support in mastering this innovative writing format. This includes guided tasks during workshops as well as instructor feedback on the first Policy Briefing, which students will have a chance to put into practice as they prepare the second Policy Briefing.

General Notes

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