MA Social and Public Policy

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Arts)

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of issues, concepts, events, and analyses informed by knowledge across or in aspects of Social and Public Policy across a range of international contexts


Exhibit competence in the exercise of generic and specific intellectual abilities relevant to Social and Public Policy


Demonstrate an advanced understanding of issues, approaches and techniques related to research or advanced scholarship in Social and Public Policy


Take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others

Critically and creatively evaluate current issues, research, and advanced scholarship in the field of Social and Public Policy


Demonstrate the ability, demonstrated through the production of a dissertation, to proactively formulate ideas and hypotheses and to develop, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these


To have the ability critically to evaluate current research approaches towards the formulation of new knowledge, policy developments and interventions, and advanced scholarship in the field of Social and Public Policy


Skills Learning Outcomes
1. Work independently through self-directed learning, managing both time and resources effectively

2. Work collaboratively as part of a group.

3. Communicate effectively to a diverse audience through employing a range of both oral and written techniques.

4. Employ effective decision–making skills across a range of different research areas in international social and public policy, and programme and policy evaluation

5. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills .

6. Develop the flexibility and adaptability required to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in an area of professional practice (note – this is very broad and covers a range of elements).

Assessment

Achievement for the Masters (Taught) will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:
- demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to areas within Social and Public Policy;
- drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
- evaluating and criticising received opinion;
- making theoretically and evidence informed judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.