Module POLM014M for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
POLM014M: MPA Applied Studies
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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. |
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Feedback on Reflective Learning Log as it progresses during terms 1 & 2 | 300 words (1 log entry per seminar) | 1-9 | Oral in class (including peer feedback) |
| Student presentations of report topic & plan | 15 minutes | 1-9 | Oral in class (including peer feedback) |
| Feedback on report drafts | 2,000 words draft chapters | 1,2,6,7, 8,9,10 | Oral in person during supervision |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 85 | 0 | 15 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 60 | 10,000 words | 1,2,6,7, 8,9,10 | Written |
| Final Reflective Learning Log | 25 | 3,000 words | 1-10, 12 | Written feedback upon completion |
| Presentation of report | 15 | 20 minutes | 1-9,11 | Written |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | Report (10,000 words) | 1,2,6,7,8,9,10 | August/September reassessment period |
| Final Reflective Learning Log | Reflective Learning Log (3,000 words) | 1-10,12 | August/September reassessment period |
| Presentation of report | Individual Presentation (20 minutes) | 1-9,11 | August/September reassessment period |
