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There are several key economic concepts that policymakers need to be able to understand and apply during the policy process, including devising policy, critiquing policy proposals and evaluating policy. This module equips you with the key tools and methodologies needed to focus these concepts on their real-world application. You will learn to navigate the common difficulties and pitfalls that arise in a policymaking and will study detailed policy-relevant analyses produced by professional economists and other analysts.

This module teaches a mix of practical tools and approaches that can be employed in order to become a more effective policy communicator. It also provides a theoretical and empirical exploration of the changing power dynamics of the media and communications industry in the context of the so-called post truth era.

This modules provides participants with knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of leadership in the public sector setting. It outlines the various approaches to leadership and leading. In doing so, it draws on relevant evidence to help participants understand how leadership can lead to desirable individual and organisational outcomes. The module also provides the opportunity for students to hone their abilities in reflective practice and self-analysis.

Increasingly, many of today’s most pressing and important social and political issues require quantitative analyses -- the collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. These techniques can be used to examine critical issues related to electoral politics, public opinion, and the media, as well as topics like development, finance, trade, human rights, and regulation. The ubiquity of so-called ‘Big Data’ makes quantitative techniques more applicable and useful than ever. Quantitative analysis is now a critical and highly sought-after transferable skill in the private and public sectors.

Governments increasingly rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver policies and improve services. The need to detect patterns in society and quickly determine what needs attention form policy makers and how to be improved based on raw data falls within the realm of what has been generally termed as AI. However, the use of AI in the policymaking process and implementation is not risk free (as shown by the struggles encountered by the Dutch government to spot fraud amongst people applying for benefits; in this case, the self-learning algorithm used by the Dutch tax authorities penalizes families wrongly on a mere suspicion of fraud thus leading people to suicide and taking children into foster care). This module covers the meaning, governance and applicability of AI in public policy. It brings conceptual clarification on AI and uncovers the practical application of AI related technologies to the policy arena. A strong emphasis is placed on misuses/ abuses/mistakes of AI application in public policy and their learning potential for policy practitioners. Finally, the topic of ethical and responsible AI is brought to the forefront.

Whether it is addressing a global pandemic, a financial crisis, transnational organised crime, climate change, migration, or the datafication of society, policymakers work in an environment that is characterised by high uncertainty, high unpredictability, and incomplete knowledge. Policy theorists call such problems intractable or “wicked’. The outcomes of policy interventions in such cases often generate unintended consequences due to the fundamentally complex nature of the world around us.

Conflict is a key feature of international politics and all social relations. It manifests in many forms and understanding the nature of conflict and, more importantly, the steps to resolution is paramount to government officials.

This module is designed to enable civil servants to know and understand that there are different political parties and policy objectives governing in all parts of the UK and the pressures this puts on intergovernmental relations, but also appreciate the need for stronger intergovernmental working across all four administrations. The module uses a mix of theoretical approaches, case studies, comparative studies, and explorations of official documents to address these issues.  

Students will be introduced to the policy process: how public policies are decided upon and implemented. Making policy requires the agreement and participation of many actors, such as politicians, bureaucrats, agency heads and staff, interest groups representatives, journalists, judges, local government heads, and citizen groups as well as international actors.  Students are introduced to the process of making policy in this complex world. This requires an understanding of the stages of the policy process, the difference between policy outputs and policy outcomes, and how agenda-setting takes place. The module also covers the interface between politics and policy, especially the relationship between politicians and civil servants, and the role of ideas in public policy.

Policymaking is about devising solutions to help society and make people’s lives better. Yet often it can be disconnected from the lives of people it is meant to serve. We can often overlook valuable insights, perspectives, and worldviews that might yield more responsive, inclusive and comprehensive approaches.

This module is aimed at civil servants, officials, and practitioners who may have responsibilities relating either to anti-corruption and bribery directly, or who may be exposed to risk in this area.   The module examines the key principles and rules in the area, situating them within the context of specific jurisdictions with distinct legal, political, and social traditions. The rule of law is fundamental to a full appreciation of the importance of these rules. The module provides an introduction to these important considerations through a consideration of the UK regime, examining the detailed rules and sanctions, but also the process of consultation and reform that led to the Bribery Act 2010. The module will thus consider the significance of institutional dynamics in the process of reform, as well as in enforcement.

This module will provide you with an overview of the challenges in working internationally and asks: “What are the global governance issues we face today?” Building on theory, interviews with practitioners, and case studies from around the world, this module addresses the growing concerns in international coordination through supra-national organizations and cultural issues in cross-border work. It explores the relationship between companies, NGOs, and governments in fighting health, poverty, clean energy, and economic growth.