MPP Public Policy

The core modules of this course focus on policy analysis in the context of multi-level policymaking, identifying the responsibilities and policies of local, devolved, national and international decision-makers, and tailoring recommendations to those audiences. We identify the concepts, models and theories used to study policy and policymaking – comparing theories in political science with a range of policy-relevant disciplines. Those disciplines include everything from economics to communication, psychology, management and social marketing. We also combine theory and practice by inviting policy actors to provide guest seminars as part of the core modules. The coursework fosters a range of skills, from blog posts to attract a wide audience to a research-intensive dissertation to answer a pressing policy question.

Modules

Starting September, full time (Stirling Campus)

Year one: Autumn semester

Compulsory module

• The Politics of Policy Analysis (MPPPP01) 20 credits

Option module - Select 40 credits from Public Policy options list

• Research Design and Process (ASRP002) 20 credits
• Quantitative Data Analysis (ASRP004) 20 credits
• Behavioural Economics I: Concepts and Theories (BSMP001) 20 credits
• Researching Gender (GNDPP02) 20 credits
• International Conflict and Cooperation Analysis (ICCPP01) 20 credits

Year one: Spring semester

Compulsory module

• Policymaking: Theories and Approaches (MPPPP03) 40 credits

Option module - Select 20 credits from Public Policy options list

• The Nature of Social Enquiry (ASRP001) 20 credits
• Qualitative Data Analysis (ASRP005) 20 credits
• Behavioural Economics II: Business & Policy Applications (BSMP003) 20 credits
• Environmental Impact Assessment (ENMPG22) 20 credits
• Environmental Costs of Energy Production (ENMPG23) 20 credits

Year one: Summer semester

• Dissertation (MPPPPDS) 60 credits

Work placements

To gain your Masters degree, you must produce a dissertation of around 12,000 words that applies intellectual rigour to a real-world policy problem. You’ll have the option to pursue a placement with a relevant organisation, enabling you to tailor your research to a policymaker or policy-influencer audience.

Teaching

Each of the core modules on this course are delivered through weekly seminars on campus (with the option of online/hybrid attendance).

The first semester core module ‘The Politics of Policy Analysis’ includes a two-hour seminar each week. The second semester core module ‘Policymaking: Theories and Approaches’ includes a four-hour seminar each week – which combines weekly political science theory discussions with weekly guest seminars from practitioners and other policy-relevant disciplines.

Many applied social research modules are delivered through a series of half-day, one-day or three-day blocks. The majority of policy-relevant options follow the same format as your core modules - weekly seminars and one piece of coursework.

The applied social research component of your course is provided by the Faculty of Social Sciences, which is an ESRC-recognised postgraduate research training centre.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through a wide range of various coursework as part of your taught modules. That coursework includes blog posts, policy analysis, essays on practical lessons from policy theory, and the research dissertation.

There are no exams.

Employability skills

We offer a comprehensive employability and skills programme to help you maximise your time at university and develop the graduate attributes required by employers. We have a dedicated Faculty Employability and Skills Officer and a Careers Service that work in partnership with academic staff to ensure you get the best out of your University experience and are given the right opportunities to make you ready for the world of work.

Students have access to advice, information and career opportunities not only in the UK but worldwide.