Postgraduate Module Descriptor


POLM003M: Policy and Politics: the theory and Strategy of Delivering Public Services MPA ONLY

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

Module Aims

The module aims to develop skills and knowledge that are important for policy making in the public sector. You will become familiar with the biases and common mistakes in public decision making. You will also be able to reflect on the way that politics influences decisions for better or worse. The module places individual policy failures and successes into a wider context of public sector performance to facilitate the analysis of patterns of success and failure. This knowledge will equip you to be more effective policy makers in your future careers.

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. Critically examine the importance of current and classical policy analysis theory;
2. Apply theoretical frameworks to real world examples informed by an advanced methodological and analytical skill;
3. Identify examples of best practice with regard to strategic policy making and evaluate their transferability to other jurisdictions;
4. Explain the dynamics of political reform and strategic policymaking, with reference to a range of theoretical models;
Discipline-Specific Skills5. Appraise and critically evaluate government reports and public policy;
6. Synthesise and comment critically on a corpus of academic literature;
7. Link public administration concepts and theories to real world examples;
Personal and Key Skills8. Undertake independent/self-directed learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment;
9. Work as a participant or leader of a group and contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives; and
10. Reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses.