Postgraduate Module Descriptor

SOCM034: Social Data Science and Policy Analytics

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

This is the core module for the MSc in Policy Analytics/Applied Social Data Science and aims to equip you with an understanding of the core concepts related to policy analytics and social data science skills to support evidence-based decision making in the policy process. It aims to equip you with a broad range of relevant skills and knowledge, allowing you to formulate research questions and later carry out your own research projects or a consultancy project.

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 a comprehensive understanding of the principles of policy analytics and the policy process
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the policy cycle
3. demonstrate a clear understanding of the relationship between data analysis and evidence-based decision making
4. Practically apply different social data science techniques and links to policy analysis and evaluation
Discipline-Specific Skills5. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the issues posed by evidence based decision-making and policy analysis
6. clearly articulate the principles of research design, causal inference and data quality
7. Employ a range of advanced quantitative social data science methods
Personal and Key Skills8. Demonstrate familiarity with a range of social data science techniques
9. Communicate analysis effectively to a broad audience

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Agresti, A. and Finlay, B. (2014) Statistical methods for social sciences. Upper Saddle Hall, NJ: Prentice Hall (4th edition).

Argyrous, G. (Ed.) (2009). Evidence for policy and decision-making: a practical guide. Sydney: University of New South Wales Press.

Bardach, E. (2011). A practical guide for policy analysis: The eightfold path to more effective problem solving. Washington, DC: CQ Press.

Burtless, G (1995) 'The Case for Randomized Field Trials in Economic and Policy Research'. Journal of Economic Perspectives, Spring 1995, pp 63-84.

Davis, H., Nutley, S. and Smith, P. (Eds.). What works?: evidence-based policy and practice in public services. Bristol: Policy Press.

Dunn, W. N. (2015). Public Policy Analysis (6th ed.). London: Routledge.

Imai, K. (2017). Quantitative Social Science: An Introduction. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Layard, R. and Glaister, S. (2003). Cost benefit analysis. Cambridge University Press.

Positer, T.H. (2003). Measuring Performance in Public and Nonprofit Organizations. The Jossey-Bass Nonprofit and Public Management Series.

Wholey, J.S, Hatry, H.P. and Newcomer, K.E. (2004). Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation. Jossey Bass Nonprofit & Public Management Series.