Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC1014: The Public Policy Process

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.

Module Aims

This module aims to provide an introduction to the public policy process by presenting major concepts, theoretical debates and key academic texts. It also aims to link theoretical arguments to empirical examples through employing material from different national contexts, primarily the UK. By undertaking the module, you will also develop your research, analytical and writing skills.

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 knowledge of the public policy process specifically, through engagement with key concepts, debates and major academic texts;
2. demonstrate the ability to understand theories of the policy process and apply this knowledge to the explanation of empirical examples;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. demonstrate knowledge of political processes generally, debates and major academic texts;
4. demonstrate the ability to understand political theory and apply this knowledge to the explanation of empirical examples.
Personal and Key Skills5. research and write analytical essays;
6. formulate critical arguments; and
7. communicate arguments effectively through written submissions.

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 themes:

  • Introduction to the policy process – policy types and stages, module assessments, reading
  • Major theories of the policy process – pluralism, neopluralism, structuralism, institutional theory, advocacy coalition framework, implementation theory, policy evaluation, policy streams
  • Relating theories to a case study
  • The decisional phase
    • Issues and agenda-setting
    • Policy formulation
    • Policy instruments
    • Decision-making
    • The post-decisional phase
      • Implementation
      • Evaluation, succession/termination
      • Conclusions and new horizons in public policy research

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
27.5122.50

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activity16.5 hours11 Lectures – 1.5 hours each
Scheduled learning and teaching activity11 hours11 Seminars – 1 hour duration
Guided independent study122.5 hoursPrivate study. Students will be given directed reading to complete which will support the lectures, seminars and coursework (approximately 50% of the allocated time). Students will be expected to devote the rest of this time to the formative exercise and completing the summative case study. The case study will also require some independent research, although guidance will be given in class and on request.

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).