The PG Diploma in Public Policy course is aimed at those who want to develop their knowledge and skills in policy analysis. The course focuses on critical issues and key developments relating to public policy (eg globalisation, europeanisation, governance, and policy evaluation).
The course is multidisciplinary and research-informed, and the wide range of modules draws on examples from different countries across the world.
There are internship opportunities for those studying on the course.
Students must take the following core modules:
- Policy Analysis: Concepts and Theories (30 credits)
- Comparing Policy in Societies (20 credits)
- Research Methods and the Dissertation (20 credits)
- Economics and Policy Analysis (10 credits)
- Globalisation, Europeanisation and Public Policy (10 credits)
- Public Management and Governance (10 credits)
Elective modules
Students must also take 20 credits of elective modules from:
- Information Age Management in Government (10 credits)
- Leadership, Strategy and Performance in the Public Sector (10 credits)
- Managing People (10 credits)
- Public Administration in Developing and Transitional Countries (10 credits)
- Public Sector Financial Management (10 credits)
- Welfare Policy (10 credits)
The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy can be taken on a full-time basis over 9 months or part-time over 2 years.
Teaching on this programme is cutting edge, research-informed, multidisciplinary, and internationally-focused. Modules are normally taught by a mix of lectures, group work, and class discussion. Most modules are taught weekly over one semester; a few modules are taught over three consecutive days.
Nearly all modules are timetabled to take place on one or two days in the week. Part-time students need to come into the University for about 30 days per academic year.
Taught modules are normally assessed by a 3,000 to 5,000 word essay (or equivalent).
We also offer an MA in Public Policy, which carries a dissertation requirement.
As a student on the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy, it would be possible for you to upgrade to the MA in Public Policy if you perform satisfactorily in the first semester if full-time or in the first academic year if part-time.
You may also be interested in the Masters in Public Administration or Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration.