Public Policy & Management

Programme Structure

The MSc requires the completion of 120 credits of taught courses and a dissertation based on independent research (60 credits). Within the taught element, the core modules represent 80 credits while options represent 40 credits, giving substantial scope for students to specialise and pursue particular interests. It is also possible for students to enrol for (or exit with) the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Public Policy and Management. This involves completing the taught elements of the programme only.

Core courses

• Public Policy for Public Managers (30 credits)
• Managing Change and Innovation (30 credits)
• Professional Development and Reflective Practice (20 credits)

Options

Students can select from the wide range of 10 or 20 credit courses on public policy and management or from courses on closely related subjects offered within the College of Social Sciences. Options total 40 credits. In 2010/11, available options included:

• Assessing the Impacts of Social Networks on Organisational Performance
• Community Planning and Participation
• Evaluation for Public Policy
• Economic Development and Employment
• Managing Work & Employee Participation
• Project Management
• Public Policy & Fiscal Austerity
• Strategic Management & Decision Making
• Strategy Dynamics

Please note that Assessing the Impacts of Social Networks on Organisational Performance cannot be taken with Managing Work and Employee Participation due to timetabling restrictions.

Dissertation

The MSc dissertation makes up 60 credits. Students prepare for this task by undertaking a Research Methods & Dissertation Design module. They work up a detailed proposal and receive feedback on an initial literature review and methods essay. The dissertation is supported throughout by a supervisor.