The MA Public Policy is a flagship programme of the Department of Political Economy. It is a broad-based programme, that emphasises the theories and concepts of policy analysis needed to understand the workings of the policy process in contemporary societies. There are opportunities to take specialist modules in different policy areas, including education, health policy and foreign policy.
KEY BENEFITS
- A truly interdisciplinary course.
- A wider range of options than any competitor programme.
- Provides specialist pathways constructed through option choices.
- Close links with the worlds of politics and policy.
- Students benefit from hearing visiting speakers from the worlds of politics and government.
- There is a well-developed internship scheme.
- Taught by a range of experts and sector specialists from across the College.
- Located in the heart of London.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Students progress into careers in the world of public policy in a governmental or NGO setting, or to academic or more generalist careers.
Programme leader/s
Professor Ken Young
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
Location
Strand Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Social Science and Public Policy
Department of Political Economy
Closing date
1 September or until programme is full.
Intake
Approximately 80.
Fees
PT Home: £4375 (2013)
PT Overseas: £8250 (2013)
FT Home: £8750 (2013)
FT Overseas: £16500 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Officer, Centre for Arts & Sciences Admissions (CASA)
tel: +44 (0)20 7848 1977/7203/7230/1434/7204
fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Professor Ken Young
Email
Website
PURPOSE
The MA Public Policy reflects King's commitment to developing public policy as a discipline. The MA is designed both for recent graduates hoping to make a career in public policy or a related field and those already working in government or NGOs in the UK or abroad. There are no disciplinary prerequisites for entry to the programme.
DESCRIPTION
The programme is designed around core taught modules on the policy process, comparative public policy and a research dissertation. A wide range of option modules are offered, enabling the student to specialise and develop in-depth knowledge of such fields as health policy, education policy, security studies, urban and environmental policy, governance and politics or the policy problems of an ageing population. Teaching is by a mixture of lectures, seminars, and group work. Students also have the opportunity to engage with visiting speakers and senior figures from the worlds of politics and policy.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
The core options which must be taken and passed are:
- The Policy Process;
- Comparative Public Policy;
- The MA Public Policy Dissertation.
Indicative non-core content
The wide range of optional modules enables the student to specialise and develop in-depth knowledge of such fields as health policy, rights and security in a changing world, urban and environmental policy, the policy problems of an ageing population or education policy.
Students are required to take 80 credits in their optional modules. A minimum of 40 credits must be taken from the 'central' options list and up to a further 40 credits can be taken from this list or from the additional options list. Each year the optional modules offered to students on this programme may vary, and we cannot guarantee to offer all the modules listed below in any given year. In order to promote effective learning the number of student places available on each optional module may be limited. Additionally, some of the optional modules are prioritised for students on particular Masters programmes, and consequently you cannot be guaranteed a place on any particular option module of your choice.
Typically, the range of available optional modules available in any one year is likely to be as follows – please note that the days/times on which they are taught will vary.
The central optional modules include:
- Evaluating Public Policy
- Research Design for Public Policy
- Case Studies in Policy Decision
- Quantitative Methods for Public Policy
- European Public Policy
- Liberty, Equality & Justice
- Designing Public Policy
- The Public Policy Internship.
The additional optional modules include:
- The Third Sector in Public Policy
- Economic Governance in the EU
- US Foreign Policy
- The Global Politics of Biomedical Innovation
- Public Policy and the Government of Complex Societies
- State and Society in Developing Countries
- Brazilian Government and Politics
- Brazil and the World
- Brazil and Globalisation
- Governing China in the Age of Globalisation
- Contemporary Chinese Politics
- Designing Quantitative Research for Social Science & Health
- Population Ageing and Policy
- Ageing, Health and Society
- Ageing in a Global Context
- Researching Vulnerable Populations
- Risk Management
- Risk Governance
- Urban Policy in a Globalising World
- Sustainable Urbanisation
- Environmenal Actors and Politics
- Key Issues in Health Policy
- Defence Management and Policy
- Values, Ethics and the Public Health
- Education and Training Policies & Programmes
- Education, Policy and the City
- Social Context of Schooling
- Science Policy and Society
- Foreign Policies of the EU
- History & Policy: Policymaking Under Pressure
- History & Policy: Long-Term Policy Problems
- Contemporary British Defence Policy.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Lectures and seminars with an opportunities for group work. Assessment principally by coursework with some examinations and presentations.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Teaching staff: Dr Anna Gwiazda
Module code: 7SSAM188
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
coursework
1 x 1500 word essay (30%)
1 x 3500 word essay (70%)
This module, by examining a series of common issues in comparative context, aims to deepen students' understanding of the working of the policy process in different societies.
The specific aims of the module are to:
• Enable the student to engage with a range of substantive policy problems;
• Illuminate the importance of social and political context in shaping policy responses;
• Consolidate understanding of the role of actors and processes;
• Highlight the value of conceptual analysis in the comparative study of public policy.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate a sound grasp of the working of policy processes across a range of issues;
• Understand the factors shaping policy agendas in different political systems;
• Critically assess the importance of context in shaping responses to common crises and problems;
• Analyse the workings of policy processes in respect of a range of demographic, technical, health, security and/or other public policy issues.
Module code: 7SSAM192
Credit level: 7
The dissertation is designed to give students experience in defining and researching a specific topic of interest in the field of public policy, building on the subject knowledge gained through taught courses and applying the methodological principles gained through the Research Design for Public Policy module. The dissertation requires candidates to display a command of both subject matter and research / enquiry techniques; to demonstrate autonomy and self-direction; to communicate complex material and make sound judgements.
Teaching staff: Prof. Ken Young
Module code: 7SSAM189
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Teaching pattern: Lectures
Seminars
Assessment:
coursework
1 x 1500 word essay (30%)
1 x 3500 word essay (70%)
This module is designed to introduce students to the study of the policy making process and the role of policy analysis. It aims to give a comprehensive survey of the key literature, themes and issues in the study of policy making by critically examining the ideas of the 'policy cycle' and its several ‘stages’. Specifically, the course 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 the decision process in governmental settings
• illustrate core themes through a series of policy case studies
• review the roles and contributions of a range of actors to the policy process
Teaching staff: Dr Deborah Price
Module code: 7SSAM114
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
1 x 1.5 hour exam
1 x 2000 word essay
This module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the implications of population ageing and rising life expectancy in populations across the developed and developing world. Cross-national examples will be drawn from Europe and the English speaking countries, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Topics covered will include:
- demography
- health transitions and social changes
- ageing and the Development Agenda
- Global institutions and politics
- social policies for ageing societies
- human rights in an ageing world
This module will draw on the multi-disciplinary strengths of King's College and across the Department of Political Economy to provide important perspectives on population ageing and the growing numbers of older people around the world.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of demographic processes and how these vary across the world.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of population ageing and its effects on family support systems, living arrangements and intergenerational relationships.
3. Critically evaluate the key social, political and economic implications of changing demographic processes on contemporary societies across the world.
4. Analyse the policy and practice implications of ageing societies.
5. Demonstrate a critical awareness of global institutions and their impact on the lives of older people.
Teaching staff: Dr Karen Lowton
Module code: 7SSAM122
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 30
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Teaching pattern: Lectures
Private study
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
1 x 3 hour exam (50%)
1 x 3000 word essay (50%)
Drawing on theories and perspectives of social science, and configuration and practices of healthcare services, this module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the challenges faced by ageing populations in maintaining health and wellbeing across the adult lifecourse. The module will emphasise the influence of a rapidly changing social context on older people’s experience of health, and society’s management of health and illness in ageing populations.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:
1. Social science approaches to the study of identity, personality, nature of personal relationships and social (dis)advantage of ageing.
2. The contributions of ageing, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic and physical factors, to health and illness in later life.
3. How individuals and families respond to health and illness in older adults, including formal and informal care.
4. Societal responses to health and illness in later life through health policy development, healthcare services and legislative means.
5. The changing context of life for older people and the possible effect of this on their health and wellbeing.
Indicative Reading
Binstock RH, George LK. (2006) Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences (6th edition) Academic Press, Burlington, MA
Bond J, Peace S, Dittmann-Kohli F, Westerhof G. (2007) Ageing in Society. Sage, London
Johnson ML. (2005) The Cambridge Handbook of Age and Ageing. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
R.C Tallis, and HM Fillit, (eds) Brocklehurst’s Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. 6th edition Churchill Livingstone: Edinburgh.
Teaching staff: Professor Anthony Pereira
Module code: 7YYBS001
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
coursework
Brazil is one of the largest countries in the world, with a territory bigger than the continental United States, a population greater than Russia's, and an economy smaller than that of only nine other countries. It has also experienced enormous economic, political, and social change in its modern history, including wrenching industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth; oscillation between military and civilian rule; mass movements demanding a variety of civil, political, and economic rights; and complicated and contested constitutional, legal, and political reforms. In 2011, Dilma Rousseff, the successor of Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva, was inaugurated as President of Brazil, ushering in a new "post-Lula" era. This module is designed to introduce students to the government and politics of Brazil, with particular emphasis on the challenge of economic development and contemporary public policy in a number of areas.
Module code: 7SSAM190
Credit level: 7
This module will integrate case analysis with the programme’s core modules by presenting a series of individual cases of contentious decisions to illustrate some of the key concepts and processes with which the student will have become familiar, through the Policy Process core module. The teaching will adopt a novel approach, in which each topic will be deal with by a background lecture (and in some cases supplemented by documentary film) and the provision of course material, to be followed in some cases one week later by seminar discussion in which the students will be divided into groups to make the case for and against the course of action actually adopted by government of the day. The aim is
· to give students an understanding in depth of policy processes through close examination and replay of a series of case studies of actual policy decision
· to provide experience of working with real world problems in an historical context
· to provide exposure to original policy documents
· to convey the ambiguities and alternative courses of action that present themselves in real decision-making situations
· to deepen understanding, through application, of the core concepts of policy analysis and
· to develop skills of policy argument in a group setting
On successful completion of this module, students will have gained a more critical understanding of the factors which bear upon decision makers as well as familiarity with original policy documents and the ability to critically assess their strengths and limits for historical analysis. Students will also gain experience of arguing for and against particular decisions where the alternative courses of action are strongly contested and so deepen their understanding of decision processes.
Module code: 7SSWM017
Credit level: 7
British Defence Policy has been going through an unprecedented period of operational challenge in the last few years and particularly in the last half dozen years. Until the launch of the previous Government's Defence Review in September 2009 there had been very little discussion of the direction and shape of British defence policy outside of the Ministry of Defence and the armed services. Decisions with enormous implications for future generations have been taken with little or no public engagement with the debates. As casualties have risen in Iraq and Afghanistan a campaign to draw attention to the pay and conditions of service personnel and their families has re-opened a debate on the concept of a military covenant between the state and the armed forces which continues. At the same time defence policy has begun to be seen as a component of a broader National Security Strategy with significant implications for future funding models and modes of delivery.
While the current preoccupation is on on-going operational commitments in the Middle East and Central Asia, significant problems in equipment procurement continue to dog the British defence establishment with claims of enormous gaps in the defence budget provision for existing equipment programmes and future requirements. The Government has embarked upon a 'strategic defence and security review' which is due to report in he autumn of 2010. This module will consider these and other issues in the historical context of British defence policy and in light of current debates.
Aims:
This aims of the module are to:
- provide a framework for understanding and analysing the formulation and delivery of defence policy in the UK;
- foster the skills required for analysis of the various influences on defence policy formulation;
- develop a comprehensive appreciation of the relationship between government, the military and commercial organisations in the delivery of defence capability;
- highlight how commercial calculations affects political decisions and public discourse; and,
- promote an understanding of the impact of new technology on the future of British defence policy.
Learning Outcomes:
On successfully completing the module students will be able to demonstrate:
- an understanding of the key issues facing current British defence policy makers;
- a critical engagement in the methodological questions associated with the study of defence policy making;
- an understanding of the historical context of existing defence policy;
- the ability to evaluate the conflicting pressures on the armed services; and,
- an ability to engage critically with the literature on the subject, to undertake independent research and to exercise informed judgement on current security issues.
Teaching staff: Dr Charlotte Goodburn
Module code: 7YYC0005
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Teaching pattern: 10 x 2 hour lecture/seminar
Assessment:
coursework; presentation/s;
This module aims to introduce students to relevant political science theories for the analysis of China’s political system and institutional development, based on a historical overview of politics since the early 20th century. It explores key debates in areas including traditional culture and institutions of governance, political experiments in socioeconomic transformation, transition to capitalism, rural development, state-society relations and contentious politics, political pluralisation and administrative reforms and China-Taiwan relations.
Module code: 7SSAM195
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
coursework
This module aims to develop students understanding of the theory and practice of designing public policy, enabling them to gain a thorough theoretical and practical understanding of how public policy is made in general and how specific public policies are designed and developed. The course is delivered through a mixture of formats that include formal lectures; group exercises; in-depth case studies and outside speakers.
Teaching staff: Dr Karen Lowton
Module code: 7SSAM125
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Teaching pattern: Lectures,
Seminars
Field/Lab/Supervised Learning
Private study
Assessment:
coursework
1 x 3500 word project (100%)
There are no exams
This module aims to convey the fundamentals of qualitative research design in the social sciences including research methods, sampling, field work, analysis and ethics. It aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and understanding required to conduct qualitative research in social science and health.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Formulate appropriate research questions.
• Select the most appropriate research design to address a specific research problem.
• Demonstrate knowledge of common research deigns and methods used in qualitative research (interviews, focus groups and observation).
• Design and administer a brief topic guide and critically discuss its strengths and weaknesses.
• Analyse qualitative data using simple coding
• Demonstrate the ability to design and conduct a small original qualitative research project.
• Demonstrate the ability to structure a written qualitative research report.
Indicative Reading
Grbich C (1999) Qualitative Research in Health. Sage, Australia
Charmaz K (2006) Constructing Grounded Theory, Sage, London
Gray D (2009) Doing Research in the Real World (2nd edition), Sage, London
Module code: 7SSMM407
Credit level: 7
This course 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.
Teaching staff: Prof Meg Maguire
Module code: 7SSEM005
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 30
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
coursework
One 6,000 word assignment.
Policies are developed in order to tackle what are perceived to be social issues or problems. For example, currently we have policies which aim to include children, students and all learners in society in order to improve their life chances. However, concerns about 'problems' in society are not new. In the nineteenth century in Britain, the movement of many people from the country-side to the newly emerging cities was accompanied by social changes and concerns about poverty, poor housing, child labour and what were viewed as the threats of the growing urban working class. It became accepted that the government (the state) would have to do something about these issues. Social policies were enacted to try to ameliorate these problems. Obviously education – the focus of this module - was one form of policy intervention. In this module we want to consider the origins of state intervention (policy) into educational provision. We will examine how and why certain policies were taken up, which ideologies have dominated at certain times and we will explore the sorts of policy outcomes which have come from all this. We want to consider how policies are developed and how they are implemented. We also want to consider how they change in the different contexts in which they are interpreted, experienced, enacted and/or resisted as well as through the actions of those charged with their implementation. Our module title includes the word 'city' because it is in cities that we can most easily see the way in which educational and other policies do their work and are resisted/ appropriated/impact on the lives of those who 'people policy'.
"The city concentrates and makes highly visible the contrasts between the rich and the poor. This concentration and visibility means that conflicts over scarce resources, not least education, between rich and poor are more likely, more extreme, and in turn, more visible in urban areas" (Coulby, 1992, p. 221)
Module code: 7SSG5073
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
This module enables students to understand the main problems and opportunities of environmental actors with regard to environmental policy formulation and implementation. It gives students an insight into the pertinent debates surrounding the role of different environmental actors in the environmental management process and enables them to understand debates surrounding differences between environmental policy-making in advanced economies and the Third World and why different environmental actors are pursuing different agendas with regard to environmental policy and politics.
Module code: To be confirmed
Credit level: 7
To what extent has the EU become a unitary actor in foreign affairs with the ability to project a common interest across a range of policy areas? What influence do member states have on common policies and actions as compared to EU institutions? And how does the EU reconcile conflicts between economic, humanitarian and security goals? These are three of the central questions to be tackled by this course. It will provide you with a sound understanding of the legal basis, complexity, range and impact of the EU's foreign policy(ies). It will also help you distinguish and competently apply a range of theoretical approaches used to conceptualise the EU as a foreign actor and to analyse its decision-making dynamics. Case studies, including the intra-European rift over the Iraq war, will be used to advance students understanding of the EU's strengths and weaknesses in foreign affairs.
Teaching staff: Dr John Meadowcroft
Module code: 7SSAM009
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
coursework
1 x 1500 word essay (30%)
1 x 3500 word essay (70%)
Evaluating Public Policy introduces the theory and practice of policy evaluation. The aim of the module is to equip students with an understanding of the challenges that different approaches face when attempting to evaluate public policies and the different techniques of policy evaluation that may be used to overcome these challenges. The evaluation techniques studied include Social Experimentation, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Participatory Evaluation, Targets and Performance Measurement and Auditing.
The module aims to:
-Introduce students to the idea of policy evaluation within the context of policy process and the theoretical ideas that underpin different approaches to policy evaluation.
-To introduce students to the practical challenges that face different approaches to policy evaluation and how those challenges might be overcome.
-To 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.
-To provide students with the knowledge, skills and techniques required for advanced critical analysis of the theory and practice of policy evaluation.
Module code: 7SSG5115
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
The module reviews the experience of urban regeneration in the context of post second world war urban policy and developments. This is done mainly from a British perspective but North American and European examples are drawn up and it is hoped that Professor Bob Beauregard who is a leading North American urban scholar and a visiting professor will lead one session. The first part of the module discusses the experience of urban decline and resurgence over the last half century. In the second half we look at a number of specific issues including the conflict between the concepts regeneration and gentrification, the role of culture and in particular focus on the regeneration of East London and the role of the Olympic Games. In the final week, there is an East London fieldtrip which includes a visit to the Olympic site (subject to continuing access being granted).
Teaching staff: Dr Charlotte Goodburn
Module code: 7YYC0001
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Teaching pattern: 10 x 2 hour lecture/seminar
Assessment:
coursework; presentation/s;
This module aims to introduce students to a historical and analytical overview of major episodes of mainland China’s interface with the global political economy over the past two centuries as well as providing interpretations based on general theories of international relations, international political economy and development studies. It also aims to explore the consequences of globalization on Chinese leaders’ self-perception in the region context and on delicate domestic institutional balances, leading to China’s ruling elite’s attempt to acquire the technologies of building a modern nation-state. Students will be expected to critically evaluate policy-relevant discussions of China’s current state of and prospects for democratization, capitalism, welfare state provisions and modernization.
Teaching staff: Dr Ami Abou-Bakr
Module code: 7SSAM111
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Full-year
Teaching pattern: There will be a series of meetings with the KCL Internship Office in semesters 1 and 2. Placement times will be negotiated on an individual student and employer basis.
Assessment:
coursework; presentation/s;
1 x 4000 word report (80%)
1 x individual presentation (20%)
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). More specifically the module will enable the students to critically examine through practical experience how policy issues are addressed within an organisation; understand the environment and the various challenges and constraints that public policy makers have to work within; and gain a better grounded understanding of the governance and management issues in relation to public affairs.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:
• A clear understanding of the organisational environment within which public policy is operationalised;
• An appreciation of the importance that context has on public policy making;
• Practical knowledge of the key issues that face policy analysts, policy makers and practitioners in advocating, developing or implementing policy initiatives;
• An ability to undertake an advanced critical analysis of the experience gained through their internship.
Teaching staff: Equivalent coursework assignment
Module code: 7SSMM409
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
2hr examination (50%); 200 word coursework (50%)
The core aims of this course are to: 1. Foster a critical understanding of the context for key issues in health policy. 2. 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. 3. Develop a critical awareness of key debates in the funding and provision of health care, such as the role of the state and the private sector. 4. Analyse the roles of professionals and users in the making and implementation of health policy through the use of case studies. 5. Explore issues of measuring and managing performance in health care. 6. Examine, through the use of case studies, the making of health policy and how specific health policies can be evaluated. Course content includes: 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.
Module code: 7SSAM009
Credit level: 7
By examining a series of key texts in contemporary political theory focused on the concepts of liberty, equality and justice, the course will enable students to better understand the underlying philosophical and theoretical issues and debates that inform contemporary public policy-making.
The key texts to be studied will include John Rawl's 'A Theory of Justice', Robert Nozick's 'Anarchy State, and Utopia' GA Cohen's 'Self Ownership, Freedom and Equality' and David Miller's 'Principles of Social Justice'.
Teaching staff: Dr Karen Glaser
Module code: 7SSAM128
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 30
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Teaching pattern: Lectures
Private Study
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
1 x 3 hour exam (50%)
1 x 3000 word essay (50%)
The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of demographic, biological and health related aspects of ageing, and their individual and societal implications. This module is a core or compulsory module for all the Gerontology postgraduate programmes.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of trends in population ageing, causes and consequences.
2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of issues in the biology and genetics of ageing.
3. Understand mortality and morbidity patterns, trends, and differentials
4. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of intergenerational transfers in later life, such as living arrangements and care, and their relation to changing demographic factors
5. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of migration patterns at older ages and migration theories.
6. Analyse the policy implications of population ageing.
Indicative Reading
Kinsella, K., Wan, H. & U.S. Census Bureau 2009, An Aging World: 2008, International Population Reports, P95/09-1, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Haupt, A & Kane, T 2004, Population Reference Bureau's Population Handbook, 5th International Edition, Population Reference Bureau, Washington, D.C.
J. Andersen, A. Guillemard, P. Jensen and B. Pfau-Effinger (2005) The Changing Face of Welfare: consequences and outcomes from a citizenship perspective Bristol: The Policy Press
Module code: 7SSAM197
Credit level: 7
This module focusses on the transformation of public policies by examining the interaction between governments and societies. The module first examines how traditional models and conceptions of the state have been seen by some politicians and theorists as increasingly untenable with the development of the 'ungovernability' thesis. It examines the implications of this approach for views concerning both what the state should do, and the ways in which it can act. It then considers how new types of state action have both reflected and required the involvement of new actors in policy-making and importantly, implementation. The module examines all these changes in governance in relation to wider questions about how the state relates to society.
Module code: 7SSAM191
Credit level: 7
The aim of the module is to equip students with an understanding of basic statistical techniques and methods to be employed for analysing, interpreting and presenting quantitative data and provide them with sufficient familiarity with specific techniques to enable choices to be made as to appropriate research strategies. On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
· A level of competence in the use of the statistical package SPSS (version 14 and above) and its use for analysing and interpreting quantitative data
· A good grasp of basic techniques and methods of statistical analysis
· Appreciation of the issues of survey sampling and sampling distribution
· An understanding of the scope, nature, potential and limits of various statistical techniques used in quantitative data analysis
· A reasonable level of competence to choose and use appropriate statistical techniques to design and plan hypothesis testing in quantitative research projects
· Some familiarity with some advanced statistical techniques such as multiple regression and logistic regression
Teaching staff: Dr Rekha Diwakar
Module code: 7SSAM116
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
1 x 1500-2000 word essay (20%)
1 z 3000 word take-home exam paper (80%)
This module aims to equip students with a basic preparation for research to a level appropriate to the MA dissertation. The module provides an understanding of the underlying issues in research design and enables students to gain sufficient familiarity with specific techniques to make judgements as to appropriate research strategies. It is so organised as to encourage students from a variety of backgrounds to grasp the relevance and utility of research for political, social and public policy decision-making as well as the practical and ethical issues that arise from such research.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate;
• Familiarity with the underlying debates about social science knowledge and it's acquisition.
• An understanding of the scope, nature, potential and limits of social research.
• Appreciation of the practical issues of access, investigator credibility, and the central questions of ethics in social research.
• Comprehension of the issues of bias, reliability and validity of particular research techniques.
• A level of competence appropriate to the design and planning of qualitive research projects.
Teaching staff: Dr Karen Lowton
Module code: 7SSAM127
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Teaching pattern: Lectures
Seminars
Private study
This module is taught over one full week (Monday to Friday) in mid May
Assessment:
coursework
1 x 3000 word essay (100%)
There are no exams.
This module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the ethical approaches and governance of health and social science research, as applied to sensitive issues and vulnerable populations. The module will explore contrasting responses from different interest groups and theoretical standpoints, including the social and behavioural sciences, and public and social policy where appropriate. NB: The module will not cover issues relating to basic clinical research.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of:
1. The fundamental ethical considerations and legal frameworks underpinning health and social science research.
2. The ethical considerations arising throughout the research process: from initial project concept to research governance and dissemination.
3. Consent, capability and autonomy in research participation.
4. The general principles and practices underpinning the interests and protection of vulnerable research participants, including confidentiality and anonymity.
5. The dilemmas and required responses to ‘wearing two hats’ of clinician and researcher.
6. Ethical and practical issues relating to the safety of researchers
Indicative Reading
Beauchamp TL, Childress JF. (2001) Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 5th edition. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Iphofen R. (2009) Ethical decision making in social research: a practical guide. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
Mauthner M, Birch M, Jessop J, Miller T (eds) (2002) Ethics in Qualitative Research. London, Sage
Module code: 7SSG5119
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
This module examines the governance of risks to human health and safety and the environment in a wide range of governance settings. The module develops conceptual understanding of the mechanics and dynamics of risk regulation regimes and examines a range of explanatory approaches to risk governance.
Specific aims are to:
- develop understanding of the variety of ways in which risks to human health and safety and the environment are governed;
- develop understanding of the concept of risk regulation regimes as a tool for describing and analysing risk governance variety;
- develop understanding of the range of factors that shape risk governance regimes, how they succeed and why they fail;
- develop understanding of trends in the reform of risk governance regimes and the related impacts of reform.
Module code: 7SSG5120
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
This module explores the emergence, practices and problems of risk management. It will help the student develop both a conceptual and practical understanding of risk management from a range of institutional, social theoretic and practice orientated perspectives.
Specific aims are to:
- develop understanding of risk concepts and the emergence of risk management;
- develop understanding of the character and diversity of risk management practices across the private and public sectors;
- develop understanding of a range of social theoretic critiques of risk management;
- develop understanding of the organisational factors that shape risk management practice, success and failure;
- to help the student critically evaluate and address risk management problems in a range of institutional settings.
Module code: 7SSEM038
Credit level: 7
This module is designed to provide a framework through which to examine the conflicting aims, claims, values and beliefs which have underpinned educational provision over time. The module considers several key social science concepts or fields of study with education as the major substantive focus and processes of social change providing the major context of concern. The key concepts include: gender, 'race', class, reproduction theory, globalisation, the market, the politics of knowledge and performativity. The overall aim of the module is to introduce students to a set of concepts, theories and ideas which will enable them to place their own subject interests in relation to wider social, political and economic changes taking place in modern society.
Teaching staff: Professor Brian Salter
Module code: 7SSPP012
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
coursework; presentation/s;
1 x formative seminar presentation
1 x 5000 word essay (100%)
This module is designed to introduce students to the theory, policy and politics of innovation in global biomedicine. Drawing on a range of theories taken from governance, public policy, globalisation and innovation, the module will construct, explore and apply an analysis of the politics that drive and define the governance of the global biomedical economy both generally and in the case of particular states.
The module aims to:
-Critically review the contribution of a range of theories to an understanding of the governance of global biomedical innovation.
-Critically examine the application of these theories to the political economy of global biomedicine.
-Identify and explore the underlying power struggles of global biomedical governance.
Module code: 7SSMM412
Credit level: 7
The third sector is increasingly important to the shaping and delivery of public services in a number of different countries. This course introduces the third sector and its role in the public services arena, and enables students to gain a detailed understanding of the theoretical and practical issues resulting from its growing importance.
The course builds on the core modules, dealing with core concepts and definitions, and establishing the third sectors place alongside the public and private sectors. It discusses the implications of the increased contracting of public services for the third sector in a range of settings before examining the importance of ideas such as social enterprise, social capital, and collective action and empowerment for public services. A core theme of the course is the nature of public services provided by different agencies, and the challenges faced by policy makers and public service providers by deeply entrenched social problems.
The course is delivered through a series of lectures, group discussion of classic texts in the field, in depth case studies and talks by outside experts and practitioners.
Teaching staff: Professor Robert Blackburn
Module code: 7FFLA587
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
written examination/s
Assessment is by one 5,000 word research essay.
Module description
The module considers the characteristics of the unwritten British constitution, such as parliamentary sovereignty and the importance of tradition and conventions, and the interpretation of theories about the constitution, such as separation of powers and representative and responsible government. Selected issues affecting the working of the political and constitutional system are studied, including the political influence of the monarchy, the dominance of a prime minister, the powers and effectiveness of each House of Parliament including their select committees, the integrity of the voting system and the asymmetry of devolved regional government. Throughout, you are encouraged to consult primary constitutional and parliamentary materials, and the works of the major constitutional writers.
Module code: 7SSWM011
Credit level: 7
This module will introduce students to the conditions and practices of U.S. foreign and security policy and is divided into three parts. After an introductory discussion of what constitutes foreign and security policy studies, we will first look at theories of international relations and how far they frame our analyses of US foreign and security policies. To obtain a short overview of the historical evolution of US foreign policy in the 'long' 20th century excerpts from some select 'classics' (George F. Kennan, William Appleman Williams, Paul Kennedy, Francis Fukuyama and Samuel Huntington) will be read and crucial phases in the history of US foreign policy analysed. In the second part of the module, the various determinants of foreign policy as well as its instruments will be address. Focusing on structure, function, and agency in the foreign policy process the following areas will be cover: 1) ideas, ideologies and traditions, 2) institutions, 3) actors, 4) instruments and 5) international system. The last part of the module will be devoted to analysing various case studies both showcasing recent foreign policy issues and security dilemmas as well as the nexus between domestic and foreign policies. They express current fundamental transitions in the international world such as the changing security environment, the globalising economy and the growing number of transnational issues. Topics include 'rogue states' and non-proliferation, military intervention and nation-building, terrorism, globalisation and trade, energy and climate change, human rights and foreign assistance. Case studies have been selected so as to cover diverse issue areas while at the same time examining US foreign policy towards different regions in the world, among them Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Module code: 7SSEH003
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 30
Semester:
summer session 1
Assessment:
coursework
8,000 word assignment
This module encourages the development of capacity to engage in systematic reflection on the assumptions, concepts and values inherent in the fields of health/health care. It provides an introduction to the nature of ethical and values-related debates, discusses key issues in public health ethics and debates the relationship between public services and the idea of 'professional ethics'.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
A relevant UK honours degree of 2:1 standard or overseas equivalent; applicants with degree/professional qualification and at least three years' experience in government or NGO service may also be eligible.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications may be made from the beginning of the academic session in September for the following year. Normally a decision will be made within four weeks of the receipt of all the required documentation being uploaded. Two members of academic staff assess the applications, and candidates - particularly those planning to study part-time while in relevant employment - may be invited for interview. Open days are also held, where applicants and those considering applying are given the opportunity to visit King's and meet members of the teaching team.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Please include a personal statement as to your interest in the programme when uploading your application details.
FUNDING
Self-funded or funded by employer.
Student profiles
Public Policy MA
As I already live and work in London, I decided to apply to King's because of its central London location and also because of its strong academic reputation. The course has helped me to be more insightful and knowledgeable at work at a national government agency and should also help me in the future when applying for promotions or other government roles. The department has been supportive, as have my fellow course mates.
Public Policy MA
I am an international student from Bosnia and Herzegovina and I came to study Public Policy as a Chevening scholarship fellow. Upon receiving the Chevening scholarship, I was faced with the daunting task of selecting a university for my studies in the UK. The reputation of King's and its surge up the rankings was a strong influence on my selection. Once I added the fact that King's is located in central London, I easily made up my mind. I decided on King's and have not regretted this choice for a second.
The programme is very creative and provides an extensive knowledge in different areas of public policy. At the same time it is demanding and challenging, but with a disciplined effort, one can achieve solid results. We are taught to think intensively and what we learn is that there are no absolute choices, just best possible ones.
The academics are outstanding professionals who are always ready to assist students. Loads of practical examples and case studies accompany lectures as do leading guest lecturers from the governmental, non-governmental and academic world. Ten months later, I can only confirm that the MA in Public Policy at King's has excellent academics, sound teaching facilities, and is great a springboard for future job seekers.