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Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Programme Catalogue 2014/15

THSP-APM13: MSc International Public Policy Analysis

Leading to the award of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS

Mode of attendance: Part-time

Follow this link for further information on the NFAAR NFAAR-PGT assessment regulations: assessment regulations for students commencing study from 2011/12 onwards (students who commenced prior to 2011/12 should consult their programme handbook for their assessment regulations):
  • This programme has the following designated alternative programmes (DAPs):
    • THSP-AFL13: PG Dip International Public Policy Analysis
    • THSP-AFC13: PG Cert International Public Policy Analysis
  • Assessment Regulations: Appendix 11 PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view
  • Programme progression requirement: not applicable
  • Taught credits: 60; Dissertation/Project credits: 30

  • Students must select a total of 18 credits from the options available in Semester 1 and 12 credits from the options available in Semester 2. Students may select all options from a single pathway or choose from two or more different pathways.
  • Part-time students must complete the compulsory units (and a selection of optional units) as listed below however, the units selected, and the balance between one year and the next, will vary with the individual students' specific requirements. This will be determined through discussion with, and subsequent agreement by, the Director of Studies. Possible patterns include: (a) completion of stages 1, 2 and 3 at different times over a maximum of five years. (b) part-time MSc students complete the taught component of the programme over a 21-month period (stages 1 & 2 over two academic years), followed by a 6-month dissertation. In such a pattern, students will typically take either two or three units in each semester, aiming to complete 30 credits in the first year and 30 in the second year. Preference is given to completing as many of the compulsory units in the first year of studies (so as to provide the core knowledge). Optional units along with any remaining compulsory units are taken in the second year. However the actual balance will be flexible but subject to agreement by the Director of Studies (for example the number of compulsory units as well as the actual units taken each year may vary slightly).

Semester 1: Taught Units
Designated Essential Units Click here for further information:
SP50249 Advanced policy analysis 6 Credits
SP50250 The politics of policy in international perspective: actors, arenas and conflict 6 Credits
Optional Units: Select a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 18 credits from the following list:
Pathway A: Public policy, social welfare and the economy
PL50436 European union politics & policy-making 6 Credits
SP50123 Business, society and states: corporate power and accountability 6 Credits
SP50279 Comparative public policy and social welfare: cross-national, European and global perspectives 6 Credits
Optional Units: Select a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 18 credits from the following list:
Pathway B: Public policy and International Development
SP50216 Economics for international development 6 Credits
SP50217 Sociology & social anthropology of development 6 Credits
SP50254 Foundations of international development 6 Credits
Optional Units: Select a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 18 credits from the following list:
Pathway C: Professional Practice and Research Competence
XX50134 Quantitative methods 1: introduction to quantitative methods 6 Credits
XX50136 Qualitative methods 1 6 Credits
SP50269 Critical skills for international development and policy research 6 Credits
ZZ50001 Director of Studies approved unit 6 Credits

Semester 2: Taught Units
Compulsory Units:
SP50144 Research for policy: concepts, methods and values 6 Credits
SP50162 Governance, public policy and society 6 Credits
SP50251 Policy evaluation: methods and techniques 6 Credits
Optional Units: Select a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 12 credits from the following list:
Pathway A: Public policy, social welfare and the economy
PL50764 International security: the contemporary agenda 6 Credits
SP50225 Political economy of globalisation 6 Credits
SP50253 Policy analysis apprenticeship project with area specialism 12 Credits
Optional Units: Select a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 12 credits from the following list:
Pathway B: Public policy and International Development
SP40215 Critical issues in social development 6 Credits
SP50220 Management of development (MID) 6 Credits
SP50226 World politics: conflict, security & development 6 Credits
Optional Units: Select a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 12 credits from the following list:
Pathway C: Professional Practice and Research Competence
XX50135 Quantitative methods 2 6 Credits
XX50138 Qualitative methods 2 6 Credits
SP50219 Academic research skills and dissertation preparation 6 Credits
SP50242 Wellbeing assessment in public policy and development practice 6 Credits
ZZ50005 Director of Studies approved unit 6 Credits

Dissertation Period: Project/Dissertation Units
Compulsory Units:
SP50252 Dissertation in international public policy analysis 30 Credits

Notes:
* This programme catalogue is applicable for the 2014/15 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2015/16 and beyond should not assume that later years of a programme will be in the format displayed here for 2014/15.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.