Postgraduate Module Descriptor


POLM001M: Risk, Responsibility, Regulation: Whose Policy is it Anyway (MPA only)

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.

Module Aims

The module aims to equip you with the analytical and presentation skills required to critically analyse, and design, risk governance regimes. Notably, at the end of the module, you are required to produce a ‘Risk Trade-offs’ paper which identifies a real world case of risk regulation, assessing the pros and cons of different policy responses and makes a final recommendation as how a risk superior course of action could be identified.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the most significant trends and reforms in the development of risk regimes in the UK, EU and USA;
2. critically evaluate the significance of current risk governance debates using the main theoretical approaches – specifically these concern the choices made about what is regulated, the ways in which risks are regulated and the feasibility of institutional design in risk regulation;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. appraise and critically evaluate government reports and policy relating to risk regulation;
4. synthesise and comment critically on a corpus of academic literature relating to risk analysis, communication and governance;
5. link risk governance concepts and theories to real world examples and the wider literature on public administration;
Personal and Key Skills6. develop autonomous learning skills, notably self-direction and time management;
7. achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment;
8. work as a participant or leader of a group and contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives; and
9. reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses.