Any special criteria equivalent MA Public Policy N/A 3. Nested award Award Title Credit value ECTS

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1 PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 1 THE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION 1. Programme title and designation Public Policy 2. Final award Award Title Credit value ECTS Any special criteria equivalent MA Public Policy Nested award Award Title Credit value ECTS Any special criteria equivalent PGCert Public Policy x 20 credit core taught modules (7SSPP001 The Policy Process & 7SSPP002 Comparative Public Policy) PLUS 20 credits in optional taught modules PGDip Public Policy As per PGCert PLUS at least 80 credits in optional taught modules 4. Exit award Award Title Credit value ECTS Any special criteria equivalent PGDip Public Policy An unclassified PG diploma may be offered where a student has obtained 120 credits from any combination of modules. PGCert Public Policy An unclassified PG certificate may be offered where a student has obtained 60 credits from taught modules. 5. Level in the qualifications framework 7 6. Attendance Full-time Part-time Distance learning Mode of attendance Minimum length of programme 1 year 2 years Maximum length of programme 3 years 6 years 7. Awarding institution/body King s College London 8. Teaching institution King s College London

2 9. Proposing department Department of Political Economy (originally Geography) 10. Programme organiser and contact Professor Ken Young details 11. UCAS code (if appropriate) 12. Relevant QAA subject benchmark/ No discipline specific benchmark as yet professional and statutory body guidelines 13. Date of production of specification September 2005; updated to credit framework August 2006, revised July 2008; revised April 2010; revised May Date of programme review 2017/ Educational aims of the programme The aims of the programme The central programme aim is to develop the student s understanding of the factors which shape the emergence and development of public policy, and deepen that understanding through the study of a selection of substantive policy areas. Specifically, the programme aims: to enable students to apply critically the key theories and concepts used in policy analysis to the policy making process to equip students with the skills necessary to engage with the key debates about the working of the policy process in democratic societies to broaden and deepen the student s appreciation of common policy problems and the ways they are addressed in different societies to convey an understanding of the technical and philosophical aspects of the evaluation of policies and programmes so that students can appreciate their uses and limits in public policy and in professional practice to provide a stimulating teaching and learning environment by allowing students to benefit from first hand exposure to staff research to provide an open and supportive learning environment by encouraging students to draw on their own experiences and relate them to the module to offer skilled supervision to enable students to attain a level of competence in the design and execution of a policy-analysis research project. 17. Educational objectives of the programme/programme outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding and skills in the following areas: On successful completion of this programme, students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the different conceptual and theoretical approaches to the study of public policy that have arisen in political science perspectives and knowledge base for a political orientation for policy analysis understanding of the key concepts and debates about making, implementing and evaluating public policy ability to compare and contrast the ways in which common policy problems and issues are approached in different political systems awareness of the ways in which knowledge is constructed and deployed in the policy process

3 a deepened conceptual grasp acquired through the study of a range of optional modules in defence and security studies, education, health, gerontology or human geography. the ability to present undertake policy-relevant research and present findings in a professional manner their acquisition of transferable competences and skills, equipping them for a career as a research professional in the public service or to proceed to the next stage of a higher degree by research. A. The programme provides a knowledge and understanding of the following: 1. different conceptual and theoretical approaches to the study of public policy 2. perspectives arising within a political orientation towards policy analysis 3. key concepts and debates about making, implementing and evaluating public policy 4. awareness of the ways in which knowledge is constructed and deployed in the policy process 5. a deepened contextual and conceptual understanding acquired through the study of a range of optional modules in defence and security studies, education, health, gerontology and human geography. 6. an appreciation of ethical issues in research on public policy Knowledge and understanding These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Knowledge and understanding in these areas is acquired through a combination of: lectures designed to provide students with the theoretical basis for understanding key approaches in public policy analysis classes, small group discussions and syndicate work independent study focused on key essential and supplementary reading attendance at fortnightly seminars given by visiting speakers from civil service, political parties, local authorities etc., with the opportunity for students to question the speakers in both formal and informal settings an extended research project to be submitted for the dissertation option modules selected to provide depth of understanding of a range of areas of public policy, and the analyses developed within those specialist fields. Assessment: For A.1 A.4, by coursework essays designed to assess students knowledge and understanding of key processes and their ability to sustain a critical argument. For option modules a mix of assessment methods, including unseen examinations, extended essays both formative and summative and oral presentations supplement the core modules. The areas of study in which these are acquired are shown in the attached annex

4 B. Intellectual Skills: 1. the ability to compare and contrast the ways in which common policy problems arise and are approached in different political systems 2. the ability to analyse the relationship between policy and practice in a range of areas, including the influence of organisational and professional influences 3. the ability to perform a critical reading of published policy studies and evaluate their rigour, validity and relevance 4. the ability to provide a reasoned assessment of the feasibility of policy proposals 5. the ability to think critically and independently 6. the ability to plan, develop and undertake policy-relevant research 7. the ability to engage critically with the issues arising in a range of substantive policy areas. Skills and other attributes These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning strategies outlined above, which are designed to facilitate the students acquisition of relevant knowledge and understanding, together with the development of appropriate critical research skills; specifically by: independent critical reading and thinking in preparation for lectures, classes and assignments peer group discussion collaborative work in groups preparation of work for presentation to programme members preparation and development of dissertation proposals (MA candidates) tuition for dissertation project (MA candidates) Assessment: Intellectual skills B.1-B.5 are assessed by coursework presented on the core modules, as well as informal assessment and feedback on performance on individual group and syndicate presentation sessions. The ability to plan, develop and undertake policy-relevant research (B.6) is formally assessed by the dissertation and informally in the workshops on project preparation. Skills in respect of substantive policy areas are assessed by the spectrum of methods used in the option modules. The areas of study in which these are acquired are shown in the attached annex C. Practical Skills: 1. the ability to undertake policy-relevant research 2. the ability to present findings in a professional manner, both orally and in writing 3. the ability to identify and source secondary literature and primary research material These are acquired through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Practical skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme which in the core modules makes use of case studies as well as coursework and presentations. Skills C.1 and C.3 in particular are developed through workshop attendance in

5 4. the ability to use appropriate information technology preparation for the research-based dissertation. The dissertation is also key to the acquisition of a high standard of presentation skill (C.2). Assessment: Practical skills are formally assessed by coursework and informally by presentations, using IT appropriately as an adjunct to oral delivery, as well as in the submission of the research dissertation. The areas of study in which these are acquired are shown in the attached annex D. Generic/transferable Skills: 1. The ability to tackle problems in a rigorous and open-minded fashion, in a spirit of critical enquiry 2. Develop effective and sustainable learning skills 3. Work effectively as a member of a team 4. Manage time and input to best effect in fulfilling individual assignments 5. Make effective use of IT 6. Write clear and well-focused reports 7. Deliver findings to audiences with clarity and confidence These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Generic and transferable skills are developed throughout the teaching and learning programme outlined above and specifically through individual and group assignments in the core modules and, where applicable, across the spectrum of option modules. Assessment: Generic and transferable skills, particularly skills D.2-D.7 are informally assessed primarily through coursework assignments and exercises, where students are required to work both jointly and individually. D.1 is assessed by performance on assessed coursework and, in the case of some option modules, by unseen written examinations. The areas of study in which these are acquired are shown in the attached annex 18. Statement of how the programme has been informed by the relevant subject benchmark statement(s)/professional and statutory body guidelines There is as yet no Masters level benchmark statement for Politics and International Studies, within which this programme largely falls. However, the Honours statement for that discipline (Section 3.2(1)(a) Knowledge and understanding of the subject) records that graduates in Politics will, inter alia be able to apply concepts, theories and methods used in the study of politics to the analysis of political ideas, institutions and practices and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of different political systems, and evaluate different interpretations of political issues and events. At 3.2(1)(b) (Generic intellectual skills) the QAA panel aver that graduates in Politics and International Relations will be able to gather, organize and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and some primary sources; identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to

6 problems; construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement; reflect on their own learning and seek and make use of constructive feedback; and manage their own learning self-critically. While this is a level 7 programme proposal and, as such, a specialised, advanced programme, its design has nonetheless taken account of how these benchmarks might be built upon at a higher level of study. 19. Programme structure and award requirements (where relevant the information should also differentiate the particular requirements of pathways within a programme or nested/exit awards) (a) numbers of compulsory and optional units to be taken in each year of the programme with related credit values FULL TIME PROGRAMME: 2 x 20 credit core taught modules (7SSPP001 The Policy Process & 7SSPP002 Comparative Public Policy) at least 80 credits in optional taught modules, of which at least 40 credits must be selected from a list of central Public Policy optional modules. 1 x 60 credit core dissertation (7SSPP003 Dissertation in Public Policy) (MA only). (b) range of credit levels permitted within the programme 7 (c) maximum number of credits permitted at the lowest level 210 (d) minimum number of credits required at the highest level 180 for MA; 120 in taught modules for PGDip; 60 in taught modules for PgCert (e) progression and award requirements (if different from the standard) (f) maximum number of credits permitted with a condoned fail (core modules excluded) 30 (g) are students permitted to take a substitute module, as per regulation A3, 20.7?Yes (h) other relevant information to explain the programme structure (i) (ii) Option modules have been selected for their contribution to meeting the programme aims in terms of providing the student with an opportunity to explore an aspect of public affairs in depth. The option modules are also grouped to enable the student who chooses to do so to achieve a degree of specialisation in a particular policy area. Students are permitted to take no more than 5 options to a value not exceeding 90 credits PART TIME PROGRAMME: (a) numbers of introductory, core, compulsory and optional modules to be taken in each year of the programme with related credit values Year One:

7 7SSPP001 The Policy Process (20 credits) (core) 7SSPP002 Comparative Public Policy (20 credits) (core) Option to take 1 optional module Year Two: 7SSPP003 Dissertation in Public Policy (60 credits) (core) Remaining optional modules to a total permitted maximum of 210 credits for the course as a whole; at least 40 credits of optional modules must be taken from a list of central Public Policy optional modules. (b) range of credit levels permitted within the programme 7 (c) maximum number of credits permitted at the lowest level All level 7 (d) minimum number of credits required at the highest level 180 (e) progression and award requirements (if different from the standard) (f) maximum number of credits permitted with a condoned fail (core modules excluded) 30 credits (g) are students permitted to take a substitute module, as per regulation A3, 20.7? Yes (h) other relevant information to explain the programme structure Students are permitted to take no more than five options to a value not exceeding 90 credits

8 Programme structure (Note: the availability of optional modules may vary slightly from year to year; the following are the modules available at the commencement of the programme) Title Credit Credit Status (I, C, O) for each Progression Assessment level value type of programme Single honours Joint honours Major/ minor Single honours Joint honours Major/ minor The Policy Process 7 20 Cr No Essays Comparative Public Policy 7 20 Cr No Essays Dissertation 7 60 Cr No Dissertation/presentation AT LEAST TWO OF THE FOLLOWING CENTRAL OPTIONS Research Design for Public Policy 7 20 O No Take home paper Public Policy Internship 7 20 O No Report and Presentation Evaluating Public Policy 7 20 O No Essay Designing Public Policy 7 20 O No Case Study, Presentation and Strategy Paper European Public Policy 7 20 O No Essay Case Studies in Policy Decision 7 20 O No Essay, Presentations Quantitative Methods for Public Policy 7 20 O No Exam, Essay Liberty, Equality and Justice: Political 7 20 O No Essay Theory and Public Policy The Regulatory State 7 20 O No Essay A MAXIMUM OF 70 CREDITS (NORMALLY A MAXIMUM OF 40 CREDITS) MAY BE TAKEN FROM THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS Sustainable Urbanisation 7 20 O No Essay, Oral Presentation, Summary Environmental Actors and Politics 7 20 O No Essays and group presentation

9 Education and Training Policies and 7 15 O No Examination, Essay Programmes Education, Policy and the City 7 30 O No Essay The Social Context of Schooling 7 30 O No Essay The Third Sector and Public Policy 7 20 O No Essay Economic Governance in the EU 7 20 O No Essay US Foreign Policy 7 20 O No Essay The Global Politics of Bio-medical 7 20 O No Essay Innovation Brazilian Government and Politics 7 20 O No Essay State and Society in Developing Countries 7 20 O No Essay Designing Qualitative Research for Social 7 15 O No Essay and Exam Science and Health Risk Management 7 20 O No Essay and Exam Urban Policy in a Globalising World 7 20 O No Essay and Exam Contemporary British Defence Policy 7 20 O No Essay Defence Management and Policy 7 20 O No Essay and Exam Public Policy and the Governance of 7 20 O No Essay Complex Societies Population Ageing and Policy 7 15 O No Essay and Exam Ageing, Health and Policy 7 15 O No Essay and Exam Ageing in a Global Context 7 15 O No Essay and Exam Researching Vulnerable Populations 7 15 O No Essay and Exam Key Issues in Health Policy 7 15 O No Essay and Exam Foreign Policies of the EU 7 20 O No Essay History and Policy: Policy-Making Under Pressure 7 20 O No Essay

10 History and Policy: Long-term Policy 7 20 O No Essay Problems Values, Ethics and Public Health 7 30 O No Essay UK Government and the Constitution 7 40 O No Essay Risk Governance 7 20 O No Essay and Exam Governing China in the Age of Globalisation 7 20 O No Presentation and Exam Contemporary Chinese Politics 7 20 O No Presentation and Exam Science, Policy, Innovation and Society 7 30 O No Essay (7SSPP026) 7YYH0020 The British Constitution in Crisis, O No Coursework 7YYH0022 British Political History, O No Coursework 7YYH0023 British Political History since O No Coursework 7YYH0021 The Evolution of British Government since O No Coursework UK Government & the Constitution: 7 20 O No Coursework Principles & Practice UK Government & the Constitution: Reform 7 20 O No Coursework & Modernisation Emerging Powers in Global Leadership 7 20 O No Coursework Leadership and Society 7 20 O No Coursework Natural Resource Governance 7 20 O No Coursework The State and Development in Africa and 7 20 O No Coursework Asia Global Health Policy 7 20 O No Coursework

11 Public Policy and the Global Financial Crisis 7 20 O No Coursework 20. Marking criteria The College generic criteria for assessment of postgraduate work apply to the assessment of this Programme, with the addition that no mark in any element may fall below 40%. 21. Particular features of the programme which help to reduce the barriers experienced by disabled students and ensure that the programme is accessible to all students who meet the entry requirements All sessions are taught in Strand or Waterloo main buildings, which are accessible to students with disabilities. Teaching staff are located in a building which is also accessible to students with disabilities. There are a number of ways in which staff provide more general pastoral care to students with disabilities. All students have one member of the Department s academic staff as their Personal Tutor. Because of the small size of the Department (four permanent members of academic staff, all of whom teach on the Programme), students report communication with staff as excellent. Staff liaise with the School s disability advisor, on any issue affecting a disabled student. All students have access to Student Welfare Services.

12 PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 2 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Not all of the information in this section will be relevant for all programmes and for some programmes this section will not be relevant at all 1. Programme name Public Policy 2. If the programme is a joint award with an institution outwith the University of London has the necessary approval been sought from Academic Board? Yes No Not applicable X Please attach a copy of the request to Academic Board 3. In cases of joint honours programmes please provide a rationale for the particular subject combination, either educational or academic Which is the lead department and/or School? Department: Political Economy School: School of Social Science & Public Policy 4. If the programme involves time outside the College longer than a term, please indicate how the time will be spent, the length of time out and whether it is a compulsory or optional part of the programme n/a Year abroad Year in employment Placement Other (please specify) Time spent.. Compulsory/optional. 5. Please provide a rationale for any such time outside the College, other than that which is a requirement of a professional or statutory body n/a 6. Please give details if the programme requires validation or accreditation by a professional or statutory body n/a 7. In cases where parts or all of the programme (other than those in box 4 above) are delivered either away from one of the College campuses and/or by a body or bodies external to the College please provide the following details

13 Name and address of the off-campus location and/or external body Students have the opportunity to undertake an optional 15 credit internship in a policy-orientated work environment, which will initially be drawn from those set up for MA Public Policy students. The core teaching team from King s Public Policy Programme and KCL Business bring together students and organisations seeking interns, who then tailor a placement to meet their specific requirements. An internship forms part of students' degree assessment, and provides an opportunity for critical examination through practical experience of how policy issues are addressed within selected governmental, non-governmental and voluntary organisations. Placements will not involve time outside College longer than a term. The placements are an optional addition to the programme to support student learning. Teaching staff will make clear to students that students opting for a placement will need to manage study, home, and if applicable, work life together with this. No extension for work will be given routinely to students on placements unless sought through the usual mitigating or extenuating circumstances route with supporting appropriate evidence. Students will be visited at least once on their placement by a member of the academic team, and will be expected to maintain contact with their Personal Tutor throughout their placement. Percentage/amount of the programme delivered off-campus or by external body Nature of the involvement of external body Description of the learning resources available at the off-campus location What mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the ongoing monitoring of the delivery of the programme, to include monitoring of learning resources off-site or by the external body? Please attach the report of the visit to the off-campus location