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School of Politics and International Relations

POLM092 Theories and Concepts of Policy Making

Credits: 30 credits

Semester: Semester A

Timetable: Tuesdays 10:00-11:00 & 11:00-12:00 

Contact: Dr Karl Pike

Availability: Compulsory module for MSc & MRes Public Policy and MSc International Public Policy students

Description:

This module will provide a structured introduction to key issues and concepts in policy analysis. The module will give students a solid grounding in theories of the policy-making process while enabling students to apply those insights to practical case-studies of policy formulation and implementation in the real world. The module will also provide students with background on the key traditions and approaches to public administration and policy-making in countries around the world, both developing and developed countries. Issues to be covered on the module will include the nature of public policies; the policy context: institutions and actors; theoretical approaches to the policy process; policy problems and agenda-setting; decision-making; implementation/new public management; evaluation; governance; public policy beyond the nation-state; policy change and policy convergence; future challenges for policy-makers.

Assessment: 

  • Item 1: 35% PowerPoint Brief
  • Item 2: 65% Assignment 2: Case-study Analysis (4000 words)
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