MA in Public Policy (MAPP) 2016/17 Please read this information carefully, it contains important guidance on your programme structure and choice of optional modules for your MA programme. Please be aware that details included in this handbook are indicative and subject to change. Programme Structure The MA in Public Policy is designed as a one year full-time, or two year part-time taught programme which offers students the opportunity to engage critically with the field of public policy and acquire understanding and skills that will stand them in good stead in a policy-related career. The programme consists of a broad-based multi-disciplinary curriculum. This is designed around four compulsory modules (comprising 120 credits) (Band 1) and a selection of optional courses (Bands 2 and 3). You will be expected to take a minimum of 180 credits in order to receive your MA degree. Guidance on choosing options Information on the modules offered by the Department of Political Economy in 2016/17 is included below, along with the School of Management options available to you as a MAPP student. These reflect the latest scholarship in the disciplines, taught by world-leading academics. We are confident that these modules will complement each other and allow you to engage with your chosen discipline, providing an excellent foundation for further study or pursuit of a career. Please make sure that you read through the information provided and direct any follow-up questions to the respective module convenors. Every effort will be made to ensure that there are no clashes between your modules, however, do please note that sometimes a timetabling clash is unavoidable and you will need to re-select options so as to avoid this. You have guaranteed access to all modules within DPE (7SSPPxxx codes), with the exception of 7SSPP021 and 7SSPP022, which are both capped at 20 students. We cannot guarantee availability for modules from external departments and you will need to discuss space on these courses with the relevant department/convenor. All modules in your MA year should be at level 7. This is indicated by the 7 at the beginning of the module code (i.e. 7SSPP001) Students will choose their modules in September. Following initial registration, students will have the option to make two changes to their module registration during the academic year. There will be a two-week window at the start of each semester when you can make changes. Please note that there is a limit placed on the number of changes that can be made you may only make two amendments to your selection. Also do bear in mind, that there may be limited flexibility regarding timetabling, and it may not be possible to accommodate all change requests. The information in this booklet is correct to the best of our knowledge, but in the event of unforeseen staff changes or similar, modules may have to be withdrawn or moved into a different semester. This is extremely unlikely, and we will inform you of any such changes as soon as we become aware of them.
Band 1: Compulsory Modules The following module must be taken in order to complete an MA in Public Policy 7SSPP001: The Policy Process 20 credits Semester 1 Module Convenor: Dr John-Paul Salter Assessment: 1x1500-word essay (30%) 1x3500-word essay (70%) 1xformative essay Teaching Format: weekly 1-hour lecture (Tues 11am) and 1-hour seminar (Tues afternoons); evening masterclasses (Tues 6pm) The Policy Process module is designed to enable students to analyse the formation and implementation of public policy through a variety of perspectives or prisms, and so make sense of policy-making. It does so by introducing them to the key stages of the policy process agenda-setting, policy decision and implementation. Two threads run through the course: agenda setting and policy in action. This module provides students with an overview of the policy process and equips them with the tools and perspectives necessary to understand the real world issues confronted in other modules. Comparative Public Policy enables students to rigorously examine similar public policy challenges across and within countries. The Management of the Public Services enables students to ground their learning in the contemporary transformations of public service delivery. Hence, those modules further understanding of public policy by different means, and students will take from the Policy Process module a critical and informed approach their option modules, and to the preparation of their research dissertation. Aims: This module is designed to introduce students to the study of the policy making process and the role of policy analysis. Specifically, the module aims to: provide students with a thorough grounding in the theories and concepts of policy analysis explore in a critical fashion the idea of a policy cycle illuminate the factors which bear upon agenda-setting and the decision process in governmental settings illustrate core themes through a series of policy illustrations review the roles and contributions of a range of actors to the policy process On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: critically appraise the concept of a policy cycle in its application to a range of policy issues demonstrate understanding of the different frameworks used to examine its various 'stages' apply core concepts appropriately to the practice of policy making; demonstrate understanding of the varieties and types of policy analysis and their role in the policy process. Key Readings: Wayne Parson, Public Policy (Edward Elgar, 1995) Peter John, Analyzing Public Policy (2 nd edition, Routledge, 2012) Hugh Colebatch, Policy (3 rd edition, Open University Press, 2009) Thomas A. Birkland, An Introduction to the Policy Process (2 nd edition, M.E. Sharpe, 2005) Paul Sabatier (ed.), Theories of the Policy Process (Westview Press, 1999) Michael Moran, Martin Rein and Robert E. Goodin (eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Public Policy Michael Hill, The Policy Process: A Reader (2 nd edition, Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1997)
7SSPP002: Comparative Public Policy 20 credits Semester 2 Module Convenor: Dr Florian Floos Assessment: 1x1500-word essay (30%) 1x3500-word essay (70%) Teaching Format: weekly 1-hour lecture (Tues 11am) and 1-hour seminar (Tues afternoons) Comparative Public Policy is one of the compulsory modules on the MA Public Policy. While The Policy Process given in semester 1 presents a variety of theoretical frameworks to analyse the different stages of the policymaking process, CPP provides a number of empirical applications of these theoretical frameworks in a comparative context (across countries and policy sectors). Comparative Public Policy seeks to equip students with methodological and conceptual tools to explain similarities and differences in public policies across countries. While many countries are faced with similar policy problems (population ageing, migration, structural unemployment, deteriorating public finances, to name a few), the policies implemented to solve them vary greatly. A number of important but diverse policy sectors will be analysed: welfare policy; immigration; economic development; finance and regulation; and foreign policy. Finally, we also look beyond traditional comparative approaches to consider the impact of European integration at the domestic level and the convergence/divergence of national policies in response to international pressures. Objectives: This module offers an introduction to the field of comparative public policy. Specifically, the course aims to: enable students to engage with a range of substantive policy problems and investigate how the state intervenes in these domains in different countries; develop their analytical skills in systematic comparison and achieve valid generalisations and evaluations of public policy developments; introduce students to the logic and standards of comparative public policy research. On successful completion of this course students will be able to: Identify the political, economic and institutional constraints influencing policymaking in a number of policy sectors; Understand similarities and differences in public policies across different countries; Use comparative methods to compare, contrast and explain public policies; Formulate relevant research questions in comparative public policy Key Reading: A. Dodds, Comparative Public Policy (Palgrave, 2013) D. Caramani, Comparative Politics (3 rd edition, Oxford University Press, 2014) R. Hague and M. Harrop, Comparative Government and Politics: An Introduction (Palgrave Macmillan, 2010) J. Bara and M. Pennington, Comparative Politics (Sage, 2009) T. Landman, Issues and Methods in Comparative Politics: An Introduction (Routledge, 2008) D. Marsh and G. Stoker, Theory and Methods in Political Science (Palgrave Macmillan, 2002/2010) P. Sabatier (ed.), Theories of the Policy Process (2 nd edition, Westview Press, 2007) M. Hill, The Public Policy Process (Pearson Education Limited, 2009) W. Parsons, Public Policy (Edward Elgar, 1995) P. John, Analysing Public Policy (Pinter, 1998) M. Hill, Studying Public Policy: An International Approach (Policy Press, 2014)
7SSMM401: Organisation and Management of the Public Services 20 credits Semester 1 Module Convenor: Professor Ewan Ferlie and Professor Alison Wolf Assessment: 1x3-hour examination in May/June (90%) 1x in course test (10%) Teaching Format: weekly 1-hour lectures (Thurs afternoons) and 1-hour tutorials (Wed afternoons) This compulsory module explores, in international and historical perspective, the development of public services, the past and present role of the public sector in their delivery, and the development of new ideas about how best to manage the production and financing of these services. Particular attention is paid to the rise of New Public Management and quasi-market approaches; to the role of market failure, principal-agent relationships, trust and professionalism; and to institutional governance. Sessions will explore and evaluate the extent to which policy alternatives can be generalised to the public services as a whole, as opposed to being service- or country-specific. Key Readings (subject to change): Meier, K. and Hill, G. (2005) Bureaucracy in the Twenty First Century, in Ferlie, E., Lynn, L and Pollitt, C. (eds) The Oxford Handbook of Public Management, Oxford: Oxford University Press, Chapter 3. David Osborne and Ted Gaebler (1992) Reinventing Government, London: Penguin, chapter 1. Hood, C. (1991) A Public Management for all Seasons?, Public Administration, 69 (Spring), pp3-19. Ferlie, E., Ashburner, L., FitzGerald, L. and Pettigrew, A. (1996) The New Public Management in Action, Oxford: Oxford University Press, Chapter 1. Newman, J. (2001) Modernising Governance, London: Sage, Introduction and Ch 9. Osborne, S. (2010) The (new) Public Governance: A Suitable Case for Treatment?, in (ed) Osborne, S. The New Public Governance, London: Routledge, Ch1. Hirschman, A.O. (1970) Exit, Voice and Loyalty: Responses to decline in firms, organizations and states (Harvard University Press). Gruber, J Public Finance and Public Policy (Worth). 7SSPP003: Dissertation in Public Policy 60 credits Full Year Module Convenor: Dr Tyler Goodspeed Assessment: 1x1000-word dissertation proposal (10%) 1x15000-word final dissertation (90%) Teaching Format: Series of seminars held weekly in Semester 1 (Wed 9am-1pm), independent study and meetings with supervisor. This module is 60 credits and is a core module. This means that in addition to taking the course, you must pass this module in order to graduate with an MA in Public Policy. The module combines students in MAPP and MAPE (MA in Political Economy) for a series of lectures and workshops on how to write a good dissertation, mainly held in semester 1. This workshop will provide you with the basics of how
to choose a topic, how much time to allocate to writing, the choice of advisors, what you can expect from your advisor, marking criteria and the policy on plagiarism and cheating. Band 2 Options You must select at least 35 credits from the following Band 2 Options modules. 7SSPP005: Evaluating Public Policy 20 credits Semester 2 Module Convenor: Dr Elisa Cavatorta Assessment: 1x1500-word essay (30%) 1x3500-word essay (70%) Teaching Format: weekly 1-hour lectures (Tues 4pm) and 1-hour seminars (Tues evenings) and 1 workshop meeting Wednesday 29 March 2017, 2pm-5pm This module will introduce the theory and practice of policy evaluation. It will equip students with a critical understanding of different techniques of policy evaluation. The specific aims of the module are to introduce students to the idea of policy evaluation within the context of the policy process and the theoretical ideas that underpin different approaches to policy evaluation and introduce students to the practical challenges that face different approaches to policy evaluation and how those challenges might be overcome. Aims: This module will introduce the theory and practice of policy evaluation. It will equip students with a critical understanding of different techniques of policy evaluation. The specific aims of the module are to: Introduce students to the idea of policy evaluation within the context of the policy process and the theoretical ideas that underpin different approaches to policy evaluation Introduce students to the practical challenges that face different approaches to policy evaluation and how those challenges might be overcome Ensure students have an understanding of how evaluation takes place in the contemporary world of policy-making and have a sound knowledge of (what has been termed) the evaluative state. Provide students with the knowledge, skills and techniques required for advanced critical analysis of the theory and practice of policy evaluation. On successful completion of the module, students will be able to: Demonstrate a sound grasp of the theoretical ideas that underpin different approaches to policy evaluation and the practical challenges that different approaches face Construct practical models of policy evaluation that take into account the underlying theoretical ideas and practical challenges Demonstrate a sound understanding of the practical architecture of policy evaluation within the context of contemporary government and politics Demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced critical analysis of the theory and practice of policy evaluation Key Reading: Carol H. Weiss, Evaluation (2 nd edition, Prentice Hall, 1998)
7SSPP007: Public Policy Internship 20 credits Full Year Module Convenor: Dr Damien Bol Assessment: 1x Oral presentation (20%) 1x4000-word written report (80%) Teaching Format: The introductory session and the last session are run by the course convenor and designed to ensure that students are prepared for the course and understand the assessment criteria. In addition, Kings Worldwide Internships Coordinators host several workshops and are available to provide individual support to students as they seek to improve their resume and cover letter, or find internships. This module aims to equip students with a practical knowledge of public policy issues as they arise in the day to day working of an organisation. This practical module will provide students with experience of working within selected governmental, non-governmental or voluntary organisations (e.g. government departments, local authorities, charities, research institutes and think tanks). Learning Outcomes: At the conclusion of this course, students are expected to demonstrate: a clear understanding of the organisational environment in which public policy is developed practical knowledge of the key issues that policy analysts, policy makers, and advocacy practitioners face in influencing, developing or implementing policy the ability to undertake critical analysis of the experience gained through an internship exposure to UK policy development process in practice in ways that reinforce what they have learnt in the classroom based part of their masters course informal learning through practical experience in government or non-governmental organizations the ability to experience politics and policy-making in practice and then critically examine and analyse those experiences in the context of scholarship. Key Reading: Because this is a practice-based course, there are no assigned readings. However, in addition to conducting an internship (105 hours minimum), students are expected to conduct a significant amount of research to prepare for the assessment, drawing upon the learning gained in other modules. Obtaining Internship Note: The Internships Office and the Department of Political Economy will do everything possible to assist students locate an internship, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to secure a placement. This should be done by the beginning of semester Placements should meet the following requirements: Placement has some policy or political relevance Placement is at least 105 hours (placement can occur over 15 consecutive working days or spread over time) Student misses no class to conduct the placement NOTE: Any student wishing to conduct an internship outside of the UK will be required to complete a Risk Assessment form BEFORE travelling. Internships conducted abroad without an approved Risk Assessment form will not be eligible for use on the module.
7SSPP008: Liberty, Equality and Justice: Political Theory and Public Policy 20 credits Semester 1 Module Convenor: Dr John Meadowcroft Assessment: 1x1500-word essay (30%) 1x3500-word essay (70%) Teaching Format: weekly 1-hour lecture (Tues 3pm) and 1-hour seminar (Tues early evening) By examining a series of key texts in contemporary political theory, this module will enable students to better understand the underlying philosophical and theoretical issues that inform contemporary public policy-making and to critically evaluate those ideas. Aims: Specifically, the module will: Introduce students to a number of key texts in contemporary political theory that reflect the different intellectual traditions in political thought and are centred on the core themes of liberty, equality and justice Illuminate the importance of political ideas to the shaping of public policy Provide students with the knowledge, skills and techniques required for advanced critical analysis of political texts and ideas Enable students to critically analyse the role of notions of liberty, equality and justice in contemporary policy-making On successful completion of the module, students will be able to: Demonstrate a sound grasp of the key ideas and debates in contemporary political theory Understand how these ideas and debates relate to contemporary public policy Critically assess and evaluate different theoretical ideas in a political and policy context Key Reading: Tom Campbell, Justice (2 nd edition, Routledge, 2000) 7SSPP016: The Politics of Regulation 20 credits Semester 2 Module Convenor: Dr Christel Koop Assessment: 1x1500-word essay (30%) 1x3500-word essay (60%) Weekly discussion questions (10%) Teaching Format: weekly 2-hour seminar meetings (Mon afternoons) and video clips to view before lectures This module aims to provide an introduction to the key approaches, concepts, and issues in the study and practice of regulation. Regulation has not only become an increasingly preferred policy instrument of governments, but it is also widely used by industries themselves. In the module, we assess the rise of the regulatory state, the different approaches to regulation, the regulatory instruments that are used, and the actors that are involved in the process. Also, selected areas of regulation including competition policy and financial and environmental regulation are explored in more detail. We focus on the different explanations of the introduction of, and changes in, regulatory policies, instruments and institutions, and we evaluate the merits of these explanations. The module is interdisciplinary by
nature, building mainly on the literature on regulation in political science, law and economics. The focus of the module is generic, though the literature is mainly concerned with regulation in EU and OECD countries. Furthermore, the module primarily deals with national-level rather than international-level regulatory processes. By the end of the module, you should be able to: identify the core actors involved in the regulatory process, the main modes and instruments of regulation, and the different approaches to regulation that are distinguished in the literature; identify and contrast the core features of the different modes and instruments of regulation and the different approaches to regulation; apply the different approaches to cases of regulatory reform and new regulation and regulatory instruments which have not yet been assessed in the literature; critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches to regulation; make reasoned arguments both orally and in writing on the reasons behind the introduction of regulation, regulatory instruments and regulatory reform, and substantiate these with empirical evidence. Key Readings: There is no core text for this module. Instead, the reading list for each week consists of a number of articles and chapters on the topic of that week. Examples of core readings are: Robert Baldwin, Martin Cave and Martin Lodge (2012). Understanding Regulation: Theory, Strategy, and Practice. Second edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Chapter 2: Why regulate? (pp. 15 24) and Chapter 4: Explaining regulation (pp. 40 67). George J. Stigler (1971). The theory of economic regulation. Bell Journal of Economics and Management Science 2 (1): 3 21. Giandomenico Majone (1997). From the positive to the regulatory state: Causes and consequences of changes in the mode of governance. Journal of Public Policy 17 (2): 139 168. David Levi-Faur (2005). The global diffusion of regulatory capitalism. Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 598: 12 32. Steven K. Vogel (1996). Freer Markets, More Rules: Regulatory Reform in Advanced Industrial Countries. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, Chapters 1, 2 and 11. Tim Bartley (2003). Certifying forests and factories: States, social movements, and the rise of private regulation in the apparel and forest products fields. Politics & Society 31 (3): 433 464. Cary Coglianese and David Lazer (2003). Management-based regulation: Prescribing private management to achieve public goals. Law & Society Review 37 (4): 691 730. 7SSPP021: The Media and Public Policy 20 credits Semester 2 Module Convenor: Dr Martin Moore and Dr Gordon Ramsay Assessment: 1x4000-word essay (100%) Teaching Format: weekly 1-hour lecture (Thurs 1pm) followed by 1-hour seminar (Thurs 2pm) This module aims to help students better understand the relationship between the media and public policy. It is aimed at people who wish to pursue a career in government, politics, NGOs, public affairs, the media or communications.
The module will look at how media can affect policy-making and what impact it has on outcomes. It will do this by introducing theories about the relationship between the media and public policy, followed by an examination of a series of separate policy areas. These policy areas will include: the environment, criminal justice, science/health, defence and media policy. The module will include guest lectures by external experts with extensive experience of the policy area concerned. The course will use a mixture of case studies, focusing mainly on the UK and US. On successful completion of the course, students will be able to: Understand the complexity of the relationship between the media and politics Identify key policy areas and policy functions most liable to media influence Recognise the distorting effects both positive and negative that media can have on public policy Assess the ways in which governments, political parties, and civil society groups seek to address, appeal to, and manage the media with respect to public policy Examine the ways in which evolving digital media is changing the nature of media influence on public policy. Key Readings: Eduardo Jr. Araral et al (2013) Routledge Handbook of Public Policy, Abingdon: Routledge Malcolm Dean (2013) Democracy Under Attack: How the Media Distort Policy and Politics, Bristol: Policy Press Frank Esser and J. Stromback (eds)(2014) Mediatization of Politics: Understanding the Transformation of Western Democracies, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan Maxwell McCombs (2014) Setting the Agenda: Mass Media and Public Opinion, Cambridge: Polity Press Brian McNair (2011) An Introduction to Political Communication, Fifth Edition, Abingdon: Routledge Jon Silverman (2012) Crime, Policy and the Media: The Shaping of Criminal Justice, 1989-2010, Abingdon: Routledge Please Note: This module will be capped at 20 students 7SSPP022: Media, Elections and Campaigning 20 credits Semester 1 Module Convenor: Dr Martin Moore and Dr Gordon Ramsay Assessment: 1x4000-word essay (100%) Teaching Format: weekly 1-hour lecture (Mon 9am) and 1-hour seminar (Mon 10am) This module will examine the use of media in elections and political campaigns, from 18th century hustings to 21st century social media and data-driven campaigning. Over the course of a term, the module will look at the evolution of political communication, the growth of modern spin and news management, the development of an adversarial media culture, increasing voter apathy and disengagement from traditional politics, rising disillusionment with the constructive democratic role of traditional news media, the emergence and influence of social media, big data and micro-targeting, and the rise of digital activism and populist politics.
By exploring and investigating these aspects of media and elections, the module will equip students with the ability to assess and critique the impact of digital media and new technologies on election campaigning, and the implications for open and transparent electoral communication in the 21st century. The course will use a range of illustrations and examples, focusing mainly on the UK and US On successful completion of the course, students will be able to: Understand the evolution of political communication in elections and political campaigns Compare and contrast approaches to political campaigning across political parties and countries Critically evaluate the relationship between media and politics during election campaigns Apply various methodologies to the analysis of political campaign communication Examine the ways in which digital media is changing the nature of elections and political campaigning. Key Readings: Philip Cowley and Dennis Kavanagh (2015) The British General Election of 2015, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan Sasha Issenberg (2012) The Victory Lab: The Secret Science of Winning Campaigns, New York, Crown Publishers Brian McNair (2011) An Introduction to Political Communication, Fifth Edition, Abingdon: Routledge Pippa Norris et al (1999) On Message: Communicating the Campaign, Sage Publications Margaret Scammell (2014) Consumer Democracy: The Marketing of Politics, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press James Stanyer (2009) Modern Political Communication, Cambridge: Polity Please Note: This module will be capped at 20 students 7SSPP023 and 7SSPP035: No. 10 Downing Street and the History of the Prime Minister 40 credits Semesters 1 and 2 Module Convenor: Dr Jon Davis Assessment: 2x1000-word extended essay plans (1 per semester) 2x4000-word essays (1 per semester) Teaching Format: weekly 1x1-hour lecture (Fri 9am) and 1x1-hour seminar (Fri 10am) Part I: 1945-1979: Central Government Analysed (Semester 1): This module in partnership with No. 10 Downing Street examines how British Prime Ministers have governed in the period 1945-79. It considers the issues from an historical perspective, tracing changes over the thirty-four years across the biggest issues of government, using the rigour of the historical method. Special attention will be given to the memoirs and diaries of the prime ministers, cabinet ministers and senior officials involved in managing the central machinery of government. Senior figures invited as guest speakers will include Visiting Professors Sir Nicholas Macpherson (ex- Permanent Secretary to the Treasury), Baroness Jay of Paddington (former Cabinet Minister and daughter of Prime Minister James Callaghan) and ex-security and Intelligence Coordinator Sir David Omand, along with the current Secretary to the Cabinet Sir Jeremy Heywood.
Part II: 1979-2015: Perennial Interests (Semester 2): This module in partnership with No. 10 Downing Street examines how British Prime Ministers have governed in the period 1979-2015. It considers the issues from an historical perspective, tracing changes over the thirty-six years across the biggest issues of government, using the rigour of the historical method. Special attention will be given to the memoirs and diaries of the prime ministers, cabinet ministers and senior officials involved in managing the central machinery of government. Senior figures invited as guest speakers will include Visiting Professor Sir Kevin Tebbit (ex-permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Defence), Charles Moore (Margaret Thatcher s authorised biographer), the Prime Minister s Principal Private Secretary and a former PM, probably Sir John Major. At the end of the module, students will have: Acquired a detailed understanding of the way in which UK central government made and implemented decisions; Acquired a detailed knowledge of the current historiography of this area; Acquired a detailed knowledge of the key historical concepts in this area; Gained experience of using primary sources as a means of analysing the history of the machinery of government; Undertaken a detailed investigation of a particular theme associated with this subject, taking an historical and theoretical approach, using secondary and primary sources, to produce a finished piece of analysis in the form of an essay answering a specific question. Please Note: Each of these modules will be capped at 15 students (it is expected a student will take both 7SSPP023 and 7SSPP035) 7SSMM402: Economics of the Public Services 15 credits Semester 2 Module Convenor: Dr Sotiris Vandoros Assessment: 1x written examination (90%) 1xin-class test (10%) Teaching Format weekly 1-hour lecture and 1-hour tutorial Prerequisites: Background in micro-economics and/or attendance of the micro-economics refresher course in Reading Week of Semester 1 Aims and Objectives: On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate: a systematic understanding of contemporary policy and research developments in the public services critical awareness of, and an ability to synthesise and generalise from, social science analyses of public services management and policy implementation the ability to evaluate critically the desirability of policies towards public services with reference to particular contexts 7SSMM405: Research Methods in Public Policy 20 credits Semester 1 Module Convenor: Dr Sónia Gancalves, Professor Christian Heath and Dr Jean Ledger Assessment: 1x2000-word quantitative coursework (50%) 1x2500-word qualitative coursework (50%)
Teaching Format: weekly 2-hour lectures and 1-hour tutorials/practical classes This module is intended to provide a working knowledge of basic methods and principles of qualitative and quantitative research used in the social sciences. Lectures will provide an introduction and explanation of the theoretical underpinnings whilst tutorials will cover the practical application of these methods to real problems and data. Module objectives: By the end of this module you should have developed the following skills that you will be required to demonstrate during your assessments: The ability to formulate researchable problems in order to conduct independent research (e.g. your M.Sc. thesis proposal) An understanding of the basic principles of research design and alternative research methodologies The ability to source or collect primary or secondary data An appreciation of the ethical considerations in conducting social science research The ability to use a range of methodological resources and tools to analyse qualitative and quantitative data An ability to communicate and disseminate research findings to both technical and nontechnical audiences Confidence to critically analyse published (and unpublished) work that uses a range of research methods 7SSMM406: People Management and Leadership in the Public Services 15 credits Semester 2 Module Convenor: Professor Sam Aryee Assessment: 1x2-hour written examination in May/June (50%) 1x2000-word essay (50%) Teaching Format: weekly 1-hour lecture and 1-hour seminar This module will focus on the management and leadership of the public sector workforce, especially in the context of change. It will have three main themes. First it will examine the main stakeholders involved in public sector HRM: employees, including professionals, and their representatives; managers and the government as employer; and service users. Second it will explore the nature and changing structure of the public sector workforce and how this has affected these main stakeholders, particularly in relation to the development of new HR policies and practices in such domains as reward, union management-relations, and workforce flexibility. The third theme will centre on change management and leadership in the public sector and how this impacts on the workforce. It will cover frameworks for the analysis of change and leadership. It will use a number of cases to explore the utility of the analytic frameworks. Aims and Objectives: The core aims of the module are to: Explore key conceptual and applied issues in the management of the public sector workforce Explore the nature and changing structure of the public sector workforce Examine and utilise frameworks for the analysis of change and leadership in the management of the public sector workforce
7SSMM407: Education and Training Policy and Programmes 15 credits Semester 2 Module Convenor: Professor Alison Wolf and Dr Joanne Lindley Assessment: 1x2-hour examination in May/June (50%) 1x2000-word essay (50%) This module examines, in comparative and historical perspective, the most important issues in current education and training policy, including the role of the education system in the economy, links between education, social mobility and social inclusion, and the degree to which education systems can or should be managed through decentralised, choice -driven mechanisms. Learning Outcomes: On completion of the module, students should be able to: demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the development of education and training policies and programmes in both Britain and other advanced economies analyse systematically why particular policies and programmes are or are not chosen in practice. analyse and evaluate critically the merits of particular policy proposals in the education and training area. analyse and evaluate critically the methods of policy evaluation in the education and training area. 7SSMM409: Key Issues in Health Policy 15 credits Semester 2 Module Convenor: Dr Juan Baeza Assessment: 1x2-hour written examination in May/June (50%) 1x2000-word essay (50%) Teaching Format: weekly 1-hour lecture and 1-hour seminar Introduction: what is health policy and why study it?; determinants of health: role of health care, public health etc.; funding health care systems; organising health care; role of the state and the private sector in health policy; role of professionals and users in health care and health policy; globalisation and the role of international organisations in health policy; measuring and managing performance; making health policy; evaluating health policy. Aims and Objectives: Foster a critical understanding of the context and content of key issues in health policy. Develop a systematic understanding of the major economic, political and sociological issues involved in the organisation, production and finance of health care services, both nationally and internationally. Develop a critical awareness of different health care systems and key debates in the funding and provision of health care, such as the role of the state and the private sector. Analyse the roles of professionals, policy makers and users in the making and implementation of health policy. Explore issues of measuring and managing performance in health care. Examine the making of health policy and how specific health policies can be evaluated.
Band 3 Options You may select 25 or more credits in Band 3 Options modules. These modules are offered by external departments and will require you to seek the permission of the relevant convenor as well as your Programme Director Anna Gwiazda. We cannot provide a concise list of these options and we encourage you to explore the offerings of various departments here at King s College London. An indicative list of modules that students have taken in previous years includes: 7YYI0001: Making of Contemporary India: Political Power and Social Order in Historical Perspective Taught by the India Institute 7YYI0009: Indian Foreign and Security Policy Taught by the India Institute 7AAOM012: Lobbying and Policy Making in the EU Taught by the European and International Studies Department 7AAOM222: The Political Economy of Britain in the EU Taught by the European and International Studies Department 7YYA0017: American Political Thought Taught by the Institute of North American Studies 7SSEM005: Education, Policy and the City Taught by the School of Education and Professional Services 7SSIJD01: New Labour: The Blair Years Taught by the Institute of Contemporary British History 7SSI0045: The Treasury and Economic History Taught by the Institute of Contemporary British History 7YYH0008: History and Policy: Policymaking Under Pressure Taught by the Institute of Contemporary British History 7SSG5119: Risk Governance Taught by the School of Geography