Module POLM014M for 2019/0
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
POLM014M: MPA Applied Studies
This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 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.
The module aims to deepen your understanding of how research and evidence can be used to inform public administration practice, whilst acknowledging the political, practical and professional challenges of doing so. You will apply knowledge gained in term 1 seminars to assist you in completion of your report in term 2. Support and supervision is provided in preparing a 10,000 word report on a specific topic agreed with your employers. The intention is to support you in your ability to conduct independent research and policy analysis that will be of benefit to your professional practice. The module coordinator will assist in setting up/ supervising your policy analysis activity, where appropriate linked to work placements.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. 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. Demonstrate critical awareness of the drivers for, and varieties of, policy transfer 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the range of sources and types of evidence available to public administrators in professional practice 5. Show awareness of the political and professional challenges of evidence-based policy |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 6. Appraise and critically evaluate government reports, public policy and institutional frameworks; 7. Synthesise and comment critically on a corpus of academic literature; 8. Link public administration concepts and theories to real world examples; 9. Compare and contrast practices and institutions in different political systems |
| Personal and Key Skills | 10. Undertake independent/self-directed learning (with effective time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment; 11. Refine oral presentation skills and presentational effectiveness; and 12. Reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses. |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Introductory induction session for whole class
- Fortnightly seminars & lectures with the module co-ordinator in term 1 covering topics such as evaluation, research methods in public administration, evidence-based policy, lesson drawing and policy transfer.
- Fortnightly supervision meetings for employer report with module coordinator in term 2;
- Organised visits to local public and non-profit institutions;
- Talks by guest speakers on topics relating to public administration;
- Work placements/ policy analysis activity on public or non-profit organisations
- Review class for the whole group at the end of the module: discussion and appraisal
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 540 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 10 | 10 hours whole class seminars/ lectures (5 x 2 hours term 1) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 10 | 10 hours group/ individual supervisory meetings (5 x 2 hours term 2) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 10 | 10 hours guest lectures (5 x 2 hours over terms 1 & 2) |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 12 | 3 x half day institutional visits |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 18 | Work placement/ policy analysis activity |
| Guided Independent Study | 60 | Preparation for seminars including reading & note taking |
| Guided Independent study | 40 | Writing reflective logs |
| Guided Independent study | 10 | Preparation for formative presentations |
| Guided Independent Study | 15 | Preparation for supervision |
| Guided Independent Study | 380 | Production of report, including reading, research, drafting & editing |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Preparation for/ follow-up from institutional visits/ placements |
| Guided Independent Study | 15 | Preparation for summative presentation including audio-visual materials |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
Indicative web based resources e.g. ELE:
The module will be supported by ELE materials, including the reflective learning log
Other Learning Resources
Websites and literature produced by the various institutions visited
