Policy Making and Policy Analysis (962N1)

15 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Autumn teaching

This module will introduce you to the nature and operation of the policy process in contemporary economies and train them in a systematic approach to policy analysis. You will be introduced to the major concepts and theories relevant to understanding the policy process, together with a systematic method of thinking about the formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation of public policies.

You will develop the skills required to define and critically analyse policy issues and problems, articulate decision-making criteria and propose and evaluate alternative policy solutions. The module will apply these ideas to specific topics in science, innovation, energy, development and security policy.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 44 hours of contact time and about 106 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.