Why do bad ideas become policy and good ideas languish for years? Why do governments respond differently to global policy challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic? Governments are facing more complex demands every day. If you want to make a difference in the world, you need to understand the limits and possibilities of how policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated.
This programme will give you an advanced understanding of the major theories and concepts of governance, public management, and public policy. You will work with world leading experts on transnational policy making and gain a practice focused understanding of why and how ideas are turned into public policy.
Core modules
Theories and Traditions in Public Policy
Public Policy has undergone rapid transformations as a field of study over the past two decades. It was once seen as the preserve of national and local governments. Today, however, we talk of policy made by networks that transcend national borders, government departments, and traditional hierarchies. This module introduces you to the interdisciplinary field of policy studies. It is focused on the practical application, giving you the opportunity to apply techniques of policy analysis to some of the most pressing global challenges.
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- The EU as an International Actor: Engaging with the Neighbourhood
- East Asian Development Policies
- Issues and Actors in Global Economic Governance
- Comparative Politics
You may select up to 40 CATS (normally two modules) from a list of specialist modules for this course, and a further 40-80 CATS from our extensive range of optional modules for a total of 120 CATS of taught modules.
