The Government Policy Fast Stream Postgraduate Award, developed and delivered in partnership with the UK Civil Service Policy Profession Unit, is designed specifically for all new entrants to the Government Policy Fast Stream. The programme supports Fast Streamers to build core policymaking skills, while offering the flexibility to tailor learning to individual interests.
Participants complete a 15-credit module on the policymaking process, alongside three optional five-credit modules covering topics such as economic analysis, evaluation, financial management, multi-level governance, comparative public management, and lawmaking.
Teaching is delivered in a hybrid format, with in-person sessions primarily in London, as well as regionally, and online access to support participants wherever they are based.
The programme was an excellent opportunity to help improve and cement my own policy skills. Policy skills in government heavily rely on ‘learning on the job’. I found that the SfG diploma has given me greater academic rigour and structure when shaping policy decisions and programmes. I thoroughly recommend anyone interested in developing their policy career considers taking on the SfG programme to help bolster their skills and build a new network of policy colleagues and friends across government.
Senior UK civil servant who took the Government Policy Fast Stream Postgraduate Award
My reflections are that the day was brilliant. I have neurodivergences which mean lectures can be very challenging, so I had some personal reservations about a full day of lectures in one go due to my personal struggles with focus (not at all a criticism, just sharing for context), so the fact I was able to stay focussed all day is a real credit to Kings and all involved with setting up this award. Prof Sander's lecture style meant we were all engaged throughout and the day flowed nicely as an interesting and interactive discussion of the topics they presented. All teaching points were illustrated with real life examples from recent memory and discussed in the context of how we would experience them in our daily jobs, not just as abstract theories. Many thanks to the Policy Profession and PG Award teams for organising.
Senior UK civil servant who took the Government Policy Fast Stream Postgraduate Award