Postgraduate Module Descriptor


POLM014M: MPA Applied Studies (MPA with Applied Studies ONLY)

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

Module Aims

This module is designed to accommodate the needs of cohort students from international public sector authorities. It is part of the 21 month MPA with Applied Studies programme 

It aims to allow the student to research a specific topic agreed between his/her employer, the student and the module co-ordinator which is of benefit to both the employer and for the students future career. A further complementary aim is to enable the student to understand and critically evaluate British and European public administration through a programme of visits to institutions at a variety of levels (local, regional, national and European) and a series of guest lectures by academics and practitioners. As part of this engagement with public institutions, the possibility exists for students to take on a short period of work placement activity.

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 compare public administration systems and/or practices between different jurisdictions and demonstrate this by analysing real world examples using theoretical frameworks studied in previous MPA modules;
2. Identify examples of 'best practice' and evaluate their transferability to other jurisdictions;
3. Understand and explain the dynamics within and between the institutions visited, and critically evaluate the way in which institutional actors co-operate and how public policy is determined.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Appraise and critically evaluate government reports, public policy and institutional frameworks;
5. Synthesise and comment critically on a corpus of academic literature;
6. Link public administration concepts and theories to real world examples;
Personal and Key Skills7. Undertake independent/self-directed learning (with effective time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment;
8. Refine oral presentation skills and presentational effectiveness; and
9. Reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses.