MPA Comparative Applied Social & Public Policy (MA)

Course content

This is a 21-month course that specialises in social and public policy analysis and social research. You'll focus on comparative cross-national and international policy. You'll also spend time analysing policy development and policy lessons from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member states.

The first half of this Masters of Public Administration (MPA) will enable you to study and explore a combination of comparative social policy and public management. In the second half you'll get advanced research skills training. You'll undertake practice related activities including small group activities that will expose you to applied policy research in practice with the support of a learning mentor.

Modules Dissertation Modules Year 1 You'll study modules in your first year that will introduce you to the concepts and techniques you'll use later in the course. You'll also build on your knowledge with a series of masterclasses and your own policy analysis. Core Modules Research Design Investigating Contemporary Policy Problems Advanced Policy Analysis Policy Masterclass Option Modules You will also study three option modules. Previous modules have included: International and Comparative Research Methods Public Service Markets Public Finance: Principles, Politics & Contemporary Issues The Political Economy of Welfare Social Policy in Global Context Social and Ethical Leadership Year 2 In your second year you'll study modules that build advanced research skills and allow you to deepen your understanding of applied social and public policy. Core Modules Independent Scoping Review Applied Policy Transfer Project Introduction to Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis Introduction to Qualitative Methods and Data Analysis Executive masterclasses and professional learning Throughout the programme you will undertake a series of masterclasses and engage in portfolio-based learning, including group projects, conference attendance and professional networking. Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning. Dissertation You'll work on two independent projects that will be assessed as part of your course. During Autumn Semester in your second year you will undertake an Applied Policy Transfer Project in which you'll be able to specialise on a specific policy issue in which you'll explore cross-national evidence to identify policy solutions that may be transferred from one country to another. Towards the end of your second year you'll complete a structured Independent Scoping Review of up to 10-12,000 words.  You will select a policy or delivery issue that relates to your own professional interests and use scoping methods to assess the evidence base."