Masters Degrees (Economic Policy)

Who is this programme for?:

- professionals with a strong interest and need in gaining a thorough academic foundation in, and understanding of, current developments in the area of global economic governance.

- graduate students from other disciplinary backgrounds wishing to further their understanding of global economic policy issues and debates through systematic academic study.

- economics graduate students wishing to specialize in global economic policy and governance.

Prior knowledge of economics is not a requirement.

The MSc Global Economic Governance and Policy is the most recent addition to the Department of Economics’ portfolio of masters programme. The programme builds on the department’s unique combination of expertise – in policy analysis, regional economics and critical theoretical perspectives – to provide students with an in-depth understanding of core policy debates in the area of global economic governance. Specifically, the programme focuses on:

- global economic governance: It offers in-depth specialisation in this area of wider global governance.

- economic policy: It provides high-level training in the understanding and critical evaluation of economic policy issues, design and solutions, their foundation in the evolution of economic theory and methods, as well as critical discussion of the application of policy design to real-world problems, such as issues of implementation and monitoring.

- regional specificities within the global economy: It provides a differentiated analysis of problems of global economic governance from a range of regional perspectives, in advanced as well as developing country regions.

The programme is taught through two dedicated core courses (Global Economic Governance I: Global Economic Policy Debates and Analysis and Global Economic Governance II: Institutional and Governance Debates on Economic Development and Growth). In addition, students can choose from a wide range of optional courses and will write a 10.000 word dissertation.

Visit the website http://www.soas.ac.uk/economics/programmes/msc-global-economic-governance-and-policy/

Structure

The MSc in Global Economic Governance and Policy is a new masters programme designed for professionals and postgraduate students, with or without a prior background in economics, who wish to gain a focused and in-depth understanding of contemporary economic governance and policy debates.

The MSc is taught through two dedicated core courses. The first, Global Economic Governance 1 deals with issues of Global Economic Policy. This covers international trade and investment relationships between countries, trade and industrial policies, global capital markets, the international monetary and financial system, multinationals, global production networks and labour in the global economy. The second core paper, Global Economic Governance 2 deals with issues of institutions and governance. This includes issues of governance reforms for developing countries, the theory of institutional economics informing these debates, the policy and theoretical debates around property rights reforms, anti-corruption, industrial policy, rents and rent seeking, democratization and related governance issues. In addition, students will choose one, two or three optional courses, depending on the weight of the courses (see the list below), from across a range of SOAS departments plus a 10,000 word dissertation.

Students can, but do not have to, choose a course structure that, in addition to the programme’s focus on policy analysis and training, provides research method training.

- Optional Courses

MSc GEGP students can choose either one (1 unit) course or two (0.5 unit) courses or three (0.33 unit courses) to make up a total of 1 unit from the following list of courses by department. The availability of open option courses in other FL&SS departments from the below list is conditional on the approval of individual course convenors as well as the usual restrictions with regard to pre-requisites, timetable compatibilities and availability of individual courses in any one academic year. Students should note that some courses are capped in terms of student numbers, and that students from home departments will be given priority in case the relevant caps are reached. All law courses are open only for students with an LLB or who take the Law pre-sessional course offered by the School of Law at SOAS.

- Economics Department

MSc GEGP students will be eligible to take any of the post-graduate courses offered in the Economics Department, pending permission by the course convenors on the basis of the students’ prior academic qualifications in economics. Economics options with CATS 22.5 (0.5 unit) modules will be made available subject to approval.

Programme Specification

MSc Global Economic Governance and Policy programme specification (pdf; 392kb) - http://www.soas.ac.uk/economics/programmes/msc-global-economic-governance-and-policy/file97019.pdf

Materials

- SOAS Library
SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.
Access to other London Universities will be provided, where relevant to specific courses.

Teaching & Learning

Courses are taught in lectures and tutorial groups. Degrees are awarded on the basis of assessed coursework, examinations and the dissertation. Courses are generally assessed on the basis of a final examination (70%) and an essay or project-based coursework (30%). MSc degrees are taught over a period of twelve months of full-time study within a structured programme. In the case of part-time study, the degrees will be taught over two or three years.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

- Students will learn about core policy debates on global economic governance.
- Students will study the current institutional and organisational architecture of global economic policy-making and governance.
- Students will have an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of differing economic theories and methods, and of how these relate to economic policy debates and designs in the area of global economic governance.
- Students will study regionally specific economic policy challenges in the context of the evolution of the global economy, and will have an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of different regional perspectives on global economic governance.
- Students will be trained in the understanding and use of economic policy tools and design, as well as issues of policy implementation and monitoring.
- Students taking the research pathway of the MSc GEGP will acquire sound knowledge of statistical research techniques and economic research methods.

Intellectual (thinking) skills:

- Students will learn to develop intellectual initiative and to analyse, evaluate and reflect critically on current research in the area of global economic governance.
- Students will acquire the ability to discriminate between competing economic theories and methods underlying the design of global economic policies, and to critically appraise the policy implications of these differing approaches.
- Students will learn to apply theoretical, empirical and technical knowledge about core features of current global economic governance to practical policy analysis through coursework and the dissertation.
- Students will have an opportunity to translate a complex understanding of issues in global economic governance into reform proposals, and to learn how to present these in an articulate, informed and coherent manner.

Subject-based practical skills:

- Students will learn how to gather, organise and employ data, information and evidence for economic policy analysis and design in the area of global economic governance.
- Students will gain the ability to critically assess economic policy tools and to design economic policy proposals in a case study context.
- Students will learn how to identify core problems in economic policy design, implementation and monitoring
- Students will acquire the ability to marshal arguments lucidly, coherently and concisely to present core analyses and policy messages or suggestions in clear language (written and verbal).
- Students taking the research pathway of the MSc GEGP will learn how to apply one or more research methods systematically to a chosen topic or project.

Transferable skills:

- Students will be able to analyse, evaluate and reflect critically on information received.
- Students will learn how to present ideas coherently and concisely, in writing and orally, extracting key elements from complex information.
- Students will be given the opportunity to engage with independent research on well defined tasks or topics.
- Students will learn how to identify policy problems and design solutions, selecting and applying competing theories and methods appropriately.
- Students will gain an understanding of how to gather, organise and deploy data and evidence to form a balanced judgement and to develop and support critical argument and policy recommendations. S
- Students will have an opportunity to present written and oral materials clearly and effectively and to engage constructively with feedback.

Employment

The MSc Global Economic Governance and Policy is a new programme, starting in 2016/17.

Students enrolling in this programme will return to or pursue careers in a wide range of positions in public, private and non-governmental project management and policy advice, for which a thorough understanding of on-going issues in global economic governance is essential.

This includes, for example, government officials from developing and advanced countries whose remit requires a wider understanding of global economic governance issues; employees of international organisations whose remits are not primarily concerned with economic policy-making, but increasingly require a thorough understanding of global economic governance issue to co-ordinate their approaches with those of other national and international organizations; private sector managers and consultants requiring a systematic understanding of current economic crises and imbalances in the world economy as well as regulatory approaches to this; employees of NGOs working in areas affected by current global economic crises and imbalances and policy responses to these; graduate students wishing to build a career in any of the above, and economics graduates with a special interest in global economic policy debates and design.

For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website (http://www.soas.ac.uk/careers/graduate-destinations/).

Find out how to apply here - http://www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/howtoapply/

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The MA Communicating Economic Policy programme is an exciting mix of economic policy and the communication of economic knowledge. Economic arguments are central to political decision-making, and the most effective economic analysts are not only able to understand the technical detail, but can also engage in meaningful conversation about economic matters with both economists and the general public.

This Master’s programme can be completed in one year (full-time), or stretched over two years (part-time). International students who require a visa are only eligible to study this programme on a one-year, full-time basis.

Summary

The MA Communicating Economic Policy programme has three main strands: economic policy, which equips you with an understanding of the conceptual tools of an economist; research skills, which teaches you the skills required to handle quantitative data, offers a grounding in qualitative research skills, and prepares you to undertake the entire production process of independent research; and economic communication, which invites you to reflect on what the field of economics can achieve, what its limitations are, and how these can be communicated to non- expert audiences.

Structure

The MA Communicating Economic Policy comprises ten core courses studied full-time across a single academic year, or part-time over two academic years.

The courses comprise: Microeconomic Principles, Public & Industrial Economic Policy, Communication & Public Understanding of Economics, Statistics & Quantitive Research Skills, Macroeconomic Principles, International Economic Policy, The Making & Communication of Economic Knowledge, Research Design & Data Collection, and Ethics & Evaluation of Communication, plus Dissertation and lay summary article.

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How do we deal with the long term challenges from new technologies, globalisation, demographic shifts and environmental change? Are our current pension and healthcare systems strong enough to cope with an ageing population? What policies are required to achieve environmental sustainability - and who is responsible for taking action? If you are strongly motivated to contribute to just and effective decisions in economic policy-making, the Master’s in Economic Policy at Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) is the right choice for you.

RESEARCH EXPERTISE 

Based on Utrecht University’s research expertise, this multidisciplinary Master’s gives you 360-degree picture of the importance of economic policy-making for business, government, and society.

CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME

In the Master in Economic Policy you focus on

• the role of government policies in complex societal issues such as health care and insurance, sustainable economic growth, and energy transition;
• applying modern economics to societal questions such as labour market reform, inequality, and the future of health care.

Read more about the study programme.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

This MSc in Economic Policy provides you with:

• The sound theoretical knowledge and advanced analytical skills required to work in the complex, challenging and important field of economic and public policy;
• A small-scale, culturally diverse cohort that creates a lively, intense and highly international interaction in and out of class;
• A multidisciplinary approach that combines expertise in both economics and the social sciences;
• The ability to contribute to societal development by designing and implementing new solutions to the complex and multifaceted issues facing governments organisations and society today;
• Broad perspectives from studying such core subjects as: Sustainable Growth, Econometric Methods in Empirical Economics, Public and Political Economics, Energy Transition and Behavioural Economics.                    

You will actively participate in major research projects, conduct your own research, present your results, and write short essays and a master’s thesis.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Upon completion of the MSc in Economic Policy you are prepared for a wide range of careers in both the public and private sector. Our alumni have gone on to develop careers as economics policy advisors for government agencies at the national, European and international level; as economic professionals in the public domain of public administration, health care, education and social security; or as consultants in sustainable transitions and energy economics. Read more about possible career prospects.

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The M.Sc. in Economic Policy Studies (EPS) programme is a two-year part-time postgraduate programme designed to provide graduates with the skills to apply economic perspectives and approaches to the study of policy issues. There is an in-take of new students every second year; accordingly the next student in-take will be for the academic year commencing September 2014. Staff from the Department of Economics, as well as where appropriate other staff from both within and outside the College, lecture on the programme. The programme's aim is to provide participants with a greater understanding of the economic policy process and the ability to engage confidently in evidence-based economic policy making. It enables graduates to contribute effectively to the processes of economic policy formulation, change and implementation, using various concepts and methods in social science analyses. Policy making in any field requires a range of skills and analytical approaches; while this programme focuses on economic policy and on the economic analysis of other policies, the political economy context, both domestically and internationally, is also explored.

During the two years, students will undertake a number of modules over three ten-week terms and spend the remainder of the second year working on their dissertations. The first teaching term takes place from late September to December and the second from January to April of Year 1. Students undertake four modules in Year 1 as follows: data analysis, modelling and research methods; understanding markets; Irish economic policy issues and context; macroeconomic concepts and issues. The third teaching term takes place form late September to December of Year 2 and in this time students undertake two specialised modules from three possible options; namely economic evaluation, competition and regulation and money and banking. The remainder of Year 2 is focused on completion of the dissertation.

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Start of programme: November / February / April / June / August

Mode of Attendance: Distance Learning

This programme is principally for postgraduates working on economic policy in government, central banks, other public organisations, international institutions and consultancy. It will increase your understanding of the principles, applications, and context underlying economic policy, focusing on the financial aspects of policy making.

Find out more:
To find out more about this programme, including module details, fees and entry requirements, please visit the MSc Finance (Economic Policy) section of the Centre for Financial and Management Studies website (http://www.cefims.ac.uk/cgi-bin/programmes.cgi?func=programme&id=52#0).

Visit the website https://www.soas.ac.uk/cefims/programmes/mscfinanceep/

Structure

You will choose five core modules.

Banking & Capital Markets
International Finance
Macroeconomic Policy & Financial Markets
Microeconomic Principles & Policy
Public Financial Management: Revenue
The International Monetary Fund & Economic Policy

You will also choose three modules from the list of electives or core modules.

Bank Financial Management
Bank Regulation & Resolution of Banking Crises
Corporate Finance
Corporate Governance
Derivatives
Econometric Analysis & Applications
Econometric Principles & Data Analysis
Finance in the Global Market
Financial Econometrics
Modelling Firms & Markets
Risk Management: Principles & Applications
Project Appraisal
Research Methods
Dissertation

To find out more about this programme, including module details, fees and entry requirements, please visit the MSc Finance (Economic Policy) section of the Centre for Financial and Management Studies website (http://www.cefims.ac.uk/cgi-bin/programmes.cgi?func=programme&id=52).

Teaching & Learning

The MSc is made up of eight modules. Each module is studied in eight-week sessions. You can only take one module at a time, but each module is typically available in at least two of the year's study sessions. This gives you the flexibility to plan how you study during the year, enabling you to fit your study in with your professional, family and personal commitments.

You will be individually assigned an online academic tutor for the duration of each module with whom you can discuss academic queries at regular intervals during the study session. You will also have a named administrator providing you with help and advice throughout your studies.

Before the start of each module you have enrolled on, you will be sent a package containing all of the study materials that you need to complete the module – the core text, textbooks, a collection of key articles, and any module related software.

To make your experience as a distance learning student more complete and rewarding, we provide access to the Virtual Learning Environment, which is a web-accessed learning environment. Via the VLE, you can communicate with your assigned academic tutor, administrators and other students on the module using discussion forums. The VLE also provides access to the module Study Guide and assignments, as well as a selection of electronic journals available on the University of London Online Library.

For each module, you will sit a three-hour examination, held on a specified date in September/October, and complete two assignments during the module study session. Assignments are submitted and feedback given online. Examinations and assignments are weighted 70:30.

For more information about studying with us, please visit the Frequently asked questions section of the Centre for Financial and Management Studies website (http://www.cefims.ac.uk/apply/faqs.shtml).

Scholarships

For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section (http://www.soas.ac.uk/registry/scholarships/)

Employment

As a graduate of this programme you will be well prepared for senior positions in government, central banks, other public organisations, international institutions and consultancy.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.cefims.ac.uk/apply/

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This innovative course offers both MSc and MA streams. It has been designed to develop your ability to apply economic analysis to policy issues and business problems, which are often ambiguous and multi-faceted. Although there is a strong theoretical core, the course focus of the course is very much on the practical application of economic techniques to problems, and on developing the ability to communicate the insights that economic analysis can provide.

The course has been created in conjunction with the Government Economic Service (GES) – a major employer of economics graduates in the UK. The University of Westminster is the only English university to have secured GES recommended status for a postgraduate course in economics.

The course aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the latest developments in economics, with a focus on practical skills and development of the skills needed by a working economist. It is specifically aimed at those with a genuine interest in the application of economics to real-world situations.

As well as enhancing your ability to apply relevant economic principles in the support of policy and strategy development, the course aims to develop your ability to communicate complex issues to wide audiences, your awareness of significant sources of economic and financial data, the problems faced when carrying out policy evaluation and your capability for self-awareness and group working.

Course content

You will gain an understanding of the key concepts in economics that underpin public sector policy and business decision making. This includes the various scenarios where we explore opportunity cost, equilibrium and disequilibrium, strategic interaction, market failure and the related concept of externalities.

You'll develop your analytical skills by applying these concepts to current challenges that face the profession, at both macro and micro levels, and in both private and public sectors. This will provide you with the latest insights drawn from both the academic and practitioner arenas.

Around a common core of modules covering key theoretical and practical elements, the MSc stream offers the possibility of pursuing a course of study in economics with a greater quantitative focus, while the MA stream has a stronger international emphasis.

Students on this course benefit from free access to part of the material on the course reading list and an online subscription to Financial Times. In addition, you will get exposure to a global network of professional economists through a free student membership to the Society of Business Economists.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the full course document.

Core modules
-Economic Evaluation Project
-Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
-Microeconomic Analysis and Policy
-Research Methods
-Strategy and Appraisal in Economics
-Data Analysis
-Economic Policy Perspectives

Option modules
-Innovation Economics
-Labour Economics

Accredited internship

All students on our full-time business Masters courses can apply to undertake the PG/MBA Internship Programme Reflective Practitioner Module. This is an 8 week unpaid accredited internship, which can be taken in addition to option modules and will help students to gain invaluable work experience. The internships, which are with London-based organisations, take place during the summer period. To apply, students must submit a completed application form and a copy of their updated CV to the Business Experience Team; the team then shortlist from the applications and conduct group meetings with the applicants.

Ultimately it is up to our internship employers to decide whether they would like to interview the candidate(s) and offer him/her an internship. We have received very positive feedback from both postgraduate students and employers and expect that the internship programme will continue to remain popular amongst our students.

Careers

Our dedicated Career Development Centre is actively working with an ever-expanding network of over 3,000 employers to provide you with exceptional employability support and guidance. As a result we were nominated as finalists for a significant industry award – the NUE Awards Most Improved Commitment to Employability 2016.

We provide our students with work placements and international opportunities to support them in becoming highly employable, globally engaged graduates, and with one million businesses operating within 20 miles of the University of Westminster, over 84% of our students are in work or further study six months after graduation. Our graduates work in a variety of sectors and organisations, from small/medium-sized companies and start-ups to large not-for-profit organisations and corporates.

During your time at Westminster you will be able to use our comprehensive online vacancy service and meet with our experienced careers consultants, providing you with thorough training and support on CV writing, application forms, interview preparation and assessment centres.

In addition to this, you will receive careers support from academic staff and faculty work placement teams, offering targeted course-specific careers advice and assistance in securing a work placement during your time at Westminster.

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The Economic Policy and International Trade MSc applies theoretical concepts in economics to the analysis of practical problems, evaluation of policy outcomes and market efficiency in the real-world context. The course aims to assist in the development of highly qualified and skilled economists with a range of analytical and technical skills who are equipped to cope with the challenges and complexities of the modern world. The key competencies students will have the opportunity to develop include skills in critical analysis, collecting and utilising information for decision making and usage of statistical software packages.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

The programme recognises the changes ongoing in the global as well as national economies, including the emergence of new trading powers, increasing importance of analytical skills and evidence-based policies. The course strongly relies on the research-led teaching which allows students to analyse these issues using the current knowledge and techniques.

The team of academic staff teaching on this course are a blend of highly qualified economists with various professional and research interests. They have rich experience from a wide range of institutions and distinctive international backgrounds which add to the international student experience. Each team member contributes their expertise and strengths into the teaching and learning context.

Some of the course’s features are:
-The opportunity to gain valuable analytical skills
-Emphasis on developing quantitative skills for evaluation of outcomes of economic policies, interventions and various events
-Enabling students to make evidence-based decisions and formulating policy recommendations
-The opportunity to apply gained knowledge through workplace experience (in the internship module, subject to availability and a competitive application process)
-The opportunity to specialise in the dissertation to match students' specific career aspirations and interests
-An interactive and internationally diverse teaching and learning environment

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

This course is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new developments in economics, the world economy and the needs of private and public sectors, so the course content may be different to that stated here. Students enrolled on the course are expected to complete the following modules:

Semester 1
-Microeconomic Policy
-International Macroeconomics
-Quantitative Methods
-Market Efficiency and Government Regulation
-Global Professional Practice (to be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2)

Semester 2
-Econometrics
-Policy Evaluation Methods
-International Trade and FDI
-Economics of Emerging Markets or International Financial Markets

Semester 3
-Dissertation in Economics or Company Internship (subject to a competitive recruitment process)

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The course utilises a number of different assessment techniques. For example, written assessments are used to assess specific subject knowledge and the student’s ability to access relevant and valid data, whilst oral presentations and group work help assess the transferable skills that students will need in their postgraduate careers. Both formative and summative assessments are used on the course to enable students to reflect on feedback and incorporate learning into their work.

TEACHING CONTACT HOURS

In a typical week you will normally have up to 14 hours of teaching contact with staff. In addition, you can meet with your personal tutor or lecturing staff during office hours sessions which will allow you to discuss problems or investigate further topics that interested you in a lecture.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE ENHANCE MY CAREER PROSPECTS?

Successful completion of this specialist course can help prepare students for careers as market analysts, government economists, senior managers within multinational corporations, economic consultants, data analysts and policy advisers, just to name a few. They will also be able to pursue a PhD study in economics or related disciplines.

The nature of specialist knowledge, technical, analytical and transferable skills developed during the programme, and the opportunity to specialise in the dissertation to match specific career aspirations will produce highly employable experts in economic analysis with working understanding of concepts applicable to various institutions and fields.

WORK PLACEMENTS

Students have the option (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria, and subject to availability) of enrolling on the internship programme which normally lasts between 8–12 weeks and provides students with an opportunity to undertake a workplace project on behalf of an organisation. Coventry University works closely with companies across the UK and Europe to offer a wide variety of internships.
-Eligibility: students must successfully meet the following assessment criteria:
-Academic: successfully complete all Semester 1 modules including research methods at the first attempt;
-CV shortlisting: submit a CV, which will be used for competitive short listing by the internship panel;
-Presentation: prepare and successfully deliver a formal presentation;
-Interview: interview with the university internship panel.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

The Centre for Global Engagement (CGE) is Coventry University’s dedicated service that supports students’ international experience. Whether you are interested in studying abroad or would like to gain some work, volunteering or teaching experience in the UK, Europe or beyond, CGE is here to make it a reality.

GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAMME

To prepare students for the challenges of the global employment market and to strengthen and develop their broader personal and professional skills Coventry University has developed a unique Global Leaders Programme.

The objectives of the programme, in which postgraduate and eligible undergraduate students can participate, is to provide practical career workshops and enable participants to experience different business cultures.

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The program provides students with the knowledge and analytical skills to prepare and evaluate policy-making decisions in a global environment. Students graduating from this program have excellent placements in business worldwide.

Department of Economics

CEU’s Department of Economics is a research-oriented department with an international faculty holding PhDs from some of the best universities in the world. Members of the department include leading international experts at the frontiers of international research in areas such as trade, networks and behavioral economics. Our programs equip students with cutting-edge insight into economics and the global effects of economic policy, along with hands-on experience and practical knowledge for their future careers.

Career Paths

Our graduates are in high demand from both the private and public sectors in banking, business, and at governmental and international organizations. Many of our alumni pursue careers in academia.

Scholarships

CEU is committed to attracting talented students and scholars from around the world and provides generous merit-based scholarships available to students from any country.

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Solving policy questions with advanced economic analysis and empirical research

Economic policy problems are everywhere. Think of the financial crisis in 2008 and the Eurocrisis that erupted in 2010. Think also of population ageing which causes large increases in spending on healthcare and pensions. Global warming may threaten future life on earth. And income inequality is increasing almost everywhere in the Western world due to globalization and technological changes. In order to be able to solve economic problems governments need excellent policy economists. By completing this Master programme you will be able to apply state-of-the-art economic theory and research methods to solve the most important policy issues of our time.

Besides courses, the core of the Master programme consists of seminars. In the main seminar you will try to solve one of the most pressing policy problems of our time. Moreover, our partners will provide internships for the best students of the program, for example, at one of the Ministries, CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis, competition and other government authorities. During this internship you will also most likely write your Master’s thesis.

Open minded, inquisitive, thorough? Rotterdam!

The main values of the Policy Economics programme at Erasmus School of Economics are: open minded, curious, academically thorough, hard-working and politically engaged. If you are a strongly analytical student, if you are highly motivated, and if you are socially engaged, then you should enroll in the Master in Policy Economics!

Careers

Good policy economists are scarce and your career perspectives will be excellent. When graduating from this master you will be able to work as an applied policy economist at ministries, applied research institutes, bureaus for policy analysis, and international institutions. The places where our Policy Economics specialisation alumni will be working are the Dutch Ministries, CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Research, the Dutch Central Bank, the OECD, and universities.

"This programme is a great way to use economic analysis to assess current and important economic policy decisions"

Typically, a Policy Economics student is smart, active and has above-average Bachelor grades. Do you have a keen interest in applied-policy issues and the public sector? Then you should read what our students have to say.

Download the brochure here.

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Programme description

The MSc Health Policy will develop your understanding of, and critical engagement with, key challenges in health policy. Both state and non-state actors grapple with how best to promote the health of communities and populations, including the most effective strategies for preventing disease, ensuring efficient and high quality health care, and reducing health inequalities.

These challenges extend beyond the traditional domain of the health sector, requiring engagement with economic and social policy and a range of non-state actors including third sector organisations, commercial interests and international agencies.

The MSc in Health Policy is designed for individuals interested in a wide range of health-related roles including government and international agencies, health advocacy, health administration and health care delivery, consultancies, advisory roles, the commercial sector, and health-related research. Within the programme there is scope for you to specialise in either health systems or health inequalities, or to follow a broad policy stream.

The Health Systems stream is ideal for those seeking to work in health care policy, planning or management, in either the public or private sectors. It will expose you to different models of health care financing, purchasing and delivery, equipping them to engage with key contemporary challenges and debates including how to achieve sustainable health care financing, the role of the state in health care, the appropriate mix of public and private provision, and how best to achieve the goals of equity, efficiency and quality in health care delivery.

The Health Inequalities stream is ideal for those seeking to engage with health disparities both between and within countries, particularly those relating to inequities in social structures and power. In this stream you will explore evidence and policy responses to health inequalities across a range of axes, including class/socioeconomic position, ethnicity/race and gender, and will consider how health and its determinants are shaped by a range of influences including social and economic policy, commercial power and political conflict. This stream is particularly suited to those interested in working in policy, advocacy and research settings with a focus on health equity.

You may also elect to follow a broad policy stream within the MSc Health Policy, rather than specialising in health systems or health inequalities. This stream equips you with an understanding of how health policy fits within broader approaches to social and economic policy, and is particularly suitable for individuals wanting to work in public policy, advocacy or research.

Our students come from countries at all levels of economic development and from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, with many using the MSc as an investment to develop their careers or move into a more policy-focused role. While the programme has a strong policy focus, it also includes an academic orientation so is good preparation for further research at PhD level.

The MSc programme is situated within the Global Public Health Unit, which is located in University’s School of Social and Political Science rather than a medical school. This reflects our programme’s reach across traditional boundaries, linking policy analysis, public health, social policy, economics, sociology, medicine and epidemiology. The MSc programme offers innovative research-led teaching that draws on academic expertise from all these disciplines, while also benefitting from close links with the Centre for Population Health Sciences in the University's medical college.

Programme structure

You will complete one compulsory course and a number of option courses.

Following the taught courses, you will work towards an independently researched dissertation.

Learning outcomes

This programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge and critical skills you need to play a senior role in health policy, advocacy and research.

Specific aims are to:

• Have a critical understanding of core concepts and frameworks relevant to health policy and population health.
• Be aware of key contemporary challenges to health and the role of the state and other actors in seeking to address these.
• Have a critical awareness of the links between health policy and broader social and economic policies, including the extent to which health objectives may complement or be in tension with other social goals
• Understand different models of health care financing, purchasing and delivery, and be able to draw on these in critically appraising the roles of different actors in the development and implementation of health policy and in a diverse range of health systems reforms (Health Systems stream)
• Understand the social determinants of health and health inequalities, and apply this understanding in critically evaluating different approaches to improving health and reducing health inequalities (Health Inequalities stream)

Career opportunities

This programme is intended to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue employment positions in policy, advocacy and research roles relevant to health policy. Most students use the MSc as an investment to develop their careers or move into a more policy-focused area, including jobs with health agencies or consultancies, government departments, international organisations and third sector organisations. By combining an advanced degree from a world-leading university with expertise in an innovative field relevant to multiple policy agendas, students who successfully complete our programmes are well placed to secure interesting positions within an often very competitive area.

Our graduates in recent years have moved on to a range of exciting employment and research positions. These include positions with health departments and other government ministries in both high-income and developing countries; with agencies and donor organisations working in health care and health promotion; with international organisations and consultancy; research positions examining health systems for the European Union and other levels of regional governance; and employment in commercial sector organisations including pharmaceutical and other health-related companies.

All students have access to the Edinburgh University Careers Service during the programme and for two years after graduation.

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This MA highlights issues of effective demand, social conflict and financial instability as features of modern capitalism. It covers neo-classical, post-Keynesian and Marxist theories, and applies them to contemporary issues of austerity policy, neo-liberalism, financialisation and globalisation. The course aims to provide a precise and professional knowledge of the procedures used to analyse current issues in political economy.

Key features
-This course provides excellent preparation for a range of employment possibilities in government agencies, think-tanks, research institutes or in international agencies such as the International Labor Organization.
-Lectures are supplemented by seminars, giving an opportunity for regular feedback and discussion.
-The University's Economics department is actively engaged in research and publication on financial topics, and you will benefit from regular staff seminars and workshops.

What will you study?

You will acquire a rigorous and broad-based understanding of the discipline of political economy, as well as an ability to carry out research in this field. The course provides a comprehensive review of macroeconomics from a theoretical and policy perspective, and of capitalism from its emergence to contemporary globalisation, as well as the parallel developments in political economy.

You will explore present-day competing political economy paradigms, and pursue an advanced analysis of the processes of globalisation and financialisation of contemporary capitalism, using it as a basis for discussion of economic policy. Your dissertation will focus on an applied economic policy topic - you will work individually with a member of staff to choose a topic for your dissertation, research this topic and write up your conclusions.

Assessment

Assessment will take a variety of forms, including class tests, essays, examinations, graded exercises, practical coursework, presentations, take-home tests, dissertation, literature review and economic reports.

Course structure

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules
-Economics Dissertation
-Financialisation, Globalisation and Economic Policy
-Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
-Political Economy: Effective Demand, Exploitation and Crisis

Optional modules
-Economic Change and Ideas
-Economic Policy Modelling

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The University of Bath Institute for Policy Research offers a pioneering Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice (DPRP). The course is designed to enable experienced professionals working in a range of policy arenas – locally, nationally, and globally – to develop their policy analysis expertise without having to take a full career break. Combining advanced training in policy research and analysis with a thesis based on original research, it is based on a cohort model and can be spread out over up to six years.

Key features

- A combination of advanced policy research and analysis training with a thesis component based on original research
- Part-time programme structure designed to cater for busy professionals
- A means to enable participants to draw on their working experience at the same time as engaging with up-to-date academic research and thinking
- A cohort structure based around an annual two-week residential to provide networking with other participants as part of the programme
- Access to a wide range of sector-specific expertise across the University, including Technology Policy, International Development, Health, Education and Social Policy

Visit the website http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/pg/programmes/prof-doct-in-poli-rese-and-prac/

Why take a professional doctorate in policy research and practice?

In all areas of government and public administration – whether in local government, national civil services or international organisations – the world of policy making is changing fast. There is an increasing recognition of the need for a secure and transparent evidence base on which to make policy, but there are also a range of approaches and methods that policy makers can use to assess the evidence base and consider the likely impact of different policies. This Doctorate will enhance professional capability and critical reflection on the theories, methods and practices of policy making.

The course involves a blend of face-to-face and distance learning. The academic coherence of the course is built around a ‘hub and spoke’ model comprising two core policy analysis units (in Transformational Policy and Practice and Policy Research Methodology) and two specialist units to enable students to broaden and deepen their understanding of policy research across a range of disciplines. You are required to complete four ‘taught’ units over three years of study – two core and two optional – followed by a supervised piece of original research over up to three years.

Educational aims of the programme

The Professional Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice is designed to:

- give particular priority to the transfer of multidisciplinary research and learning to the workplace, to enhance the academic and the professional contribution that policy makers and practitioners can make to theory and practice in their field
- engage current practitioners with knowledge, awareness and understanding of philosophical, organisational, political, social, economic, managerial, interpersonal, and technical dimensions of policy
- develop the capability to broaden an understanding of critical issues facing policy makers today
- provide you with a broad foundation from which you can hone your specific interests towards the conduct of supervised research and make an original contribution to your field
- support you in publishing and disseminating your research

Course structure

The Professional Doctorate in Policy Research and Practice is built around a part-time cohort model. You will advance through the course with a cohort of other participants from a range of countries, sectors and organisations. Teaching is focused on a two-week residential held in early September each year, with subsequent virtual seminars, tutorials, and supervision throughout the rest of the year.

This structure will enable you to interact, learn, and network with a stable cohort of participants, while ensuring the flexibility to continue your own professional career.

The course is structured into two stages: the taught stage and the thesis stage.

If your circumstances change and you are unable to complete the course, there are alternative qualifications that may be awarded depending on the number of credits accumulated.

- Taught stage:
The taught stage is based on four units. In the first year, two compulsory core units provide advanced training in policy analysis and research methods. The first year is designed to equip you with the knowledge and capability to understand and use a range of research methodologies, novel analytical frameworks and toolkits to address key issues within a broad policy context. The two core generic analysis units include:

- Transformational Policy and Practice – to introduce you to theoretical understandings of ‘policy’ and policy making and how they relate to practice. This will include a series of case studies of policy making and implementation from different countries

- Policy Research Methodology – to develop your knowledge and understanding of the methodologies (philosophic frameworks) employed in policy research, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the merits of particular quantitative and qualitative methods.

Each of these generic units carry 18 credits and are assessed with an 8,000 assignment or equivalent. Successful completion of these units would normally entitle you to the PG Certificate exit award if appropriate.

- Specialist streams:
Over the subsequent two years you elect two specialised units, relevant to their field of practice, from a choice of up to four units. These are designed to enable you to develop and hone specific interests towards the conduct of supervised research: current optional units are listed below. The five initial units are:

- international development policy
- education policy
- health policy
- technology policy
- social policy (awaiting final approval).

Each specialist unit carries 18 credits and is assessed by an 8,000 word assignment.

You will be asked to choose a specialist unit in the first year, while undertaking your core modules so that teaching resources can be planned for the following year.

- Research enquiry:
You will spend the final three years of your study developing a supervised research enquiry. Supervision is primarily provided virtually over this period but it would normally be expected that you adhere to a minimum number of face-to-face contact hours. We also provide other online support for you during this time including webinars and online forums.

About the IPR

The University of Bath Institute for Policy Research (IPR) brings together many of the University’s research strengths to foster inter-disciplinary research of international excellence and impact. It bridges the worlds of research, policy and professional practice to enable us to address some of the major policy challenges we face on a local, national and global scale.

Read more (http://www.bath.ac.uk/ipr/)

Find out how to apply here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/index.html

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Programme description

Our Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme is designed for graduates looking for an advanced professional qualification to provide a launch pad for careers in the public sector, nonprofit sector or international policy community.

The MPP is a theory-based empirically informed and practice-oriented. It aims to:

• develop analytical and conceptual skills to enable critical evaluation of major policy issues, policy processes, policy implementation and policy linkages
• examine in detail the political, economic and social context of policy-making at the local, regional, state and international levels
• develop an in-depth knowledge of specific policy issues
• provide a thorough training in analytical methods and approaches (qualitative and quantitative) used for policy development and implementation
• develop an understanding of practical and ethical issues in policy-making
• enhance knowledge and professional skills for public sector careers
• provide professional experience through the work placement component

The programme benefits greatly from being located in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city and seat of government allowing ready access and collaboration with central and local government, parliament, as well as a range of public service and non-profit organisations.

Programme structure

Core courses in first semester give you a grounding in politics, economics and policy analysis; these inform a fourth, a case-based investigation of a specific policy domain. Optional courses (one in first semester and two in the second semester), chosen from across a wide range of graduate courses offered by the School of Social and Political Science, provide specialist understanding of different issues, topics and contexts. The programme culminates in a placement-based dissertation of 8-10 weeks in a policy organisation.

You will be taught using a variety of innovative teaching methods with a focus on providing a strong practice-oriented element to provide you with the skills necessary for a career in the public sector. Classes typically last up to three hours and include academic presentations, student-led discussion and practitioner contributions.

The types of assessment used will include:

• writing short policy briefs of memos
• problem-solving tasks
• individual and group presentations
• writing analytical reports
• self and peer assessment
• developing skills portfolios
• other varied oral and writing tasks

Work placements/internships

This programme offers an opportunity to undertake a work placement (approximately 8-10 weeks) with a policy organisation. Students undertaking a placement are required to produce a professional analytical report, based on their placement, which explores an existing public policy problem faced by a real-life public or non-profit sector organisation and your recommendations for a strategy to address it.

Placements are not guaranteed and are dependent on overall academic performance as well as the availability of suitable placements. Students who do not undertake a placement will complete a research report in which they will engage with a policy problem, collecting data, and presenting policy recommendations.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, you will have gained skills in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

• Policy-making processes, including policy development and implementation.
• Multi-level governance, policy interests, actors and power.
• Domestic, European and International Policy Arenas.
• Public Economics and Market Failure.
• Analytical Methods for Policy.
• Policy learning and transfer.
• Theories of policy-making.

Intellectual skills

• Analytical: involving the ability to analyse and critically evaluate major public policy issues, including their historical evolution; their social, political, economic, cultural and ethical dimensions and implications; and their strengths and weaknesses.
• Methodological: involving the ability to appreciate a variety of methods and approaches available in the analysis of policy, to choose when particular approaches are relevant, and to employ them effectively.
• Interdisciplinary competence: involving the ability to develop complex arguments using material from different related fields (e.g. politics, social policy, public management, economics, law, geosciences, public health).

Professional/subject-specific/practical skills

• Ability to critically evaluate factors shaping the policy-making process.
• Skills in applying theories and insights from scholarly research to practical issues.
• Ability to write analytical reports regarding policy issues and problems.
• Practical skills and professional experience gained through the placement.
• Ability to form a research-driven goal (of an essay, report, presentation), identify methods necessary for a given project, and to complete a project on time.

Transferable skills

• General analytical: ability to critically evaluate policies and arguments, and to analyse policy documents and datasets.
• Organisational: ability to complete a project, setting up analytical and research goals, identifying necessary means and ways to completion.
• Interpersonal: leadership, delegation and team-work or group-work (presentations, joint policy reports, discussions in class).
• Communications: ability to prepare and present reports, papers and briefs to a mixed audience of academics and practitioners using powerpoint etc.
• Methodological: ability to evaluate and apply different qualitative and quantitative analytical methods.
• Reflective: ability to reflect on self-development, progress and skills.

Career opportunities

The MPP is a recognised professional qualification. The combination of academic excellence and practical experience ensure that MPP graduates are well placed for careers in public policy, government, think tanks, consulting firms, NGOs, party politics, and advocacy/lobbying organisations, among others.

The transferable skills you will gain from the programme, and the experience and networking opportunities from the placement, will give you a competitive edge in the employment market whatever your eventual career.

Executive Programme in Public Policy

The University’s Academy of Government also offers an Executive Programme in Public Policy, aimed at mid-career professionals from the public sector, international organisations, business and civil society organisations, on a flexible, credit-accumulation basis:

• Executive Programme in Public Policy

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Rethink public policy from the ground up, by exploring creative and innovative approaches for making, shaping and influencing policy design and delivery.

This specialist MSc in Public Policy offers you the opportunity to delve into how public policy is made, what shapes it, and how you can make a real difference as a policymaker.

You will explore the political, economic and social dynamics and forces that influence contemporary public policy issues. This will enable you to think creatively about public policy design and delivery, and your role within it.

Highly applied in nature, the course draws on diverse cases from policymaking globally, as well as from Europe and the UK. You’ll work with academics from the Institute for Policy Research, Department of Social & Policy Sciences and Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies with international expertise in this area, and have links to senior and experienced policymakers from around the world.

The course also examines how data, knowledge and evidence in the digital environment are re-shaping how public policy is analysed, made and practised.

You will leave the course with:

• a robust understanding of the concepts and tools used in public policymaking today, their application and limitations
• an understanding of the wider contexts and constraints within which public policy is made
• the confidence to apply different policymaking tools and think creatively about them, identifying new ways to achieve public policy goals
• the ability to read, critique and develop persuasive arguments about the characteristics of policy problems, the knowledge we have about them, and alternatives for action and inaction

The course is delivered in an inspiring format, with highly structured and interactive online content; face-to-face learning and networking at short residentials in Bath and London; and intensive support from leading Bath academics throughout.

Ideal for those already working in policy, or aspiring to do so, the course offers plenty of opportunity to draw on examples from your own professional experience, and to apply the new ideas and skills to your own specific public policy interests.

Graduate prospects

The specialist teaching and tools you acquire will put you in a strong position for moving forward in any policy-facing or policy-shaping role, whether in analysis, strategy or delivery.

You will be equipped to work as a national civil servant in a policy role, government affairs official, think tank researcher, parliamentary advisor, policy advisor, policy advocate in a large INGO or advocacy organisation.

You could also work in regional or local government strategy, public service policy or strategy, or the private sector providing contracted public sector services.

You could also take your studies further to doctoral level.

Course brochure

Download the course brochure.

Register for our webinar

Join our webinar on Wednesday 2 May 2018 at 19:00-20.00 GMT. During the webinar you will be able to find about:

• course structure and content
• teaching and assessment
• studying at the University of Bath

There will also be an opportunity to put your questions to our staff.

Register for the webinar.

Course structure

This course lasts 2 years. Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

Compulsory course units

These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.

Year 1

• Public policy: theory, politics and practice
• Public policy and economics
• Knowledge, evidence and data in public policy

Year 2

• Public policy case analysis
• Dissertation or Policy portfolio

Learning and assessment

Learning

Online resources

• Podcasts and videos
• Topic overviews with specified reading, key issues, questions and debates
• Structured online web-discussion with academic staff
• Blogs and forums
• Policy Case Study library covering specific areas of public policy, developed by leading experts

Residential resources

• Practical data analysis and intensive digital data workshops
• Tutorials
• Lectures
• Extended seminars with visiting policy professionals on practice-based topics
• Free attendance at the Institute for Policy Research annual symposium

Assessment

• Blog
• Data analysis practical
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Online web-forum contributions
• Policy brief
• Policy evidence and data review
• Presentations
• Public Policy case report
• Take-home examination

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The MSc in Economic Development and Policy Analysis is designed for students who wish to apply advanced level knowledge of economics to practical and policy issues, and who have a particular interest in development issues. The core modules provide a solid grounding in economics, and specialised modules address current theories, issues and evidence in economic policy as applied to developing countries. The specific objective is to equip students with knowledge of the techniques for economic policy analysis in developing countries and the ability to apply them.

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