Master of Arts Public Policy Leadership

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1 Master of Arts Public Policy Leadership UNIVERSITY OF MALTA Department of Public Policy

2 Master of Arts Public Policy Leadership Programme overview This programme meets the needs of those who aspire to become leaders in public life, whether in governing institutions, within Malta or the European Union, in the commercial business sector, as well as in local government and civil society groups. The programme develops ethical and effective leaders who are capable of bringing about planned change while maintaining institutional stability. It provides a distinctive learning journey that accentuates the intimate link between leadership and policy sciences. Its driving philosophy is leading through policymaking whereby students get the opportunity to think, move from theory to action and develop their potential to lead. To this effect, the programme is designed to foster unexplored leadership qualities in our students in order to diversify and enrich their existing talent platform. Furthermore, it provides well-grounded public management tools to engage successfully in public affairs as executives, analysts, consultants and policy advisors in state, business and non-governmental organisations. Beginning with a foundation of political thought, policy processes and research methodologies, the curriculum proceeds to examine the arts of leadership, accentuating the policy leader s role in innovation, decision-making, problem-solving and good governance. Utilising a variety of learning methods, including case studies, workshops, study visits and group work, the programme assesses leaders decisions, analyses contexts and evaluates policy outcomes. WE LCOME Our revamped MA in Public Policy Leadership is our flagship programme at the Department of Public Policy. It empowers students with the knowledge and competencies necessary to lead public enterprise, boost research and analysis, and improve policy success. You are most welcome to enrol with us and share with our enthusiastic students the challenge and joy of high quality learning. 3 Dr George Vital Zammit Head, Department of Public Policy

3 Master of Arts Public Policy Leadership Structure and thematic units The programme is a part-time, evening course spread over six semesters (3 academic years). A solid curriculum of theoretical and applied study units characterises the taught component during the first two years of the programme, while the third year is dedicated to the research-based dissertation. The portfolio of core and elective study units brings together the most up-to-date scholarly research and good practice in the fields of public policy and leadership; challenging students to apply the latest theory, research findings and new managerial methods to help solve real-world governance and policy issues. A set of fundamental study units in the first year provides the conceptual and methodological cornerstones of the programme. Core units Quantitative and qualitative research methods for policy and business Comparative and theoretical aspects of public policy Political economy Patterns of leadership in government T h e final stage of the programme requires students to complete a dissertation of a maximum length of 25,000 words. Students benefit from a number of workshops and round table seminars wherein they are given the opportunity to present and discuss their workings during the different stages of the research project. In their second year of studies, students have the opportunity to choose between one of two options: Comparative Governance or Comparative Issues in Public Management. Stream A Students opting for Comparative Governance have the option of further specialising in two of three intertwined themes, namely policy sciences, spheres of governance and institutional leadership. These themes are explored and mastered through a set of core study units and a selection of electives to choose from: Core units Comparative governance and institutional design The politics of public policy Strategy, policy implementation and review Elective units Competitiveness and innovation Good governance and leadership Business continuity in the public sector Communicating government Leadership in public organisations Stream B Students opting for Comparative Issues in Public Management, offered by the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), gain a command of best practices, instruments and techniques in leading the public sector, as well as a deep appreciation of the impact of the European Union and other global actors on public affairs management.

4 Master of Arts Public Policy Leadership Our next graduate could be you If you want to sharpen your critical thinking skills engage in action-centred knowledge identify your uncharted talent and develop a portfolio of leadership skills and policy science take your leadership role to the next level and you meet these requirements a Bachelor degree with at least Second Class (Honours) in Public Policy or in related areas. Past alumni for our MA programme had read for first degrees in Management, Economics, Small States Governance, Social Policy, Youth studies, European Studies, Criminology, Psychology, International Relations and Diplomatic studies; OR a Bachelor degree obtained with Third Class (Honours) in Public Policy or related disciplines, provided that you have obtained other qualifications, including not less than 3 years on-the-job experience; OR any other first degree which is not solidly grounded in the social sciences, and a disposition to undergo a one year preparatory programme (part time, evening) focusing on Political Sociology, Constitutional Development, Governing Institutions and Policy Processes then the Master of Arts in Public Policy Leadership will definitely deliver what you are aspiring to.

5 Master of Arts Public Policy Leadership also Public Policy Leadership for Business Professionals < We are committed to making our distinctive academic programmes effective and relevant not only to talented public sector officials but also to ambitious business executives. For professionals in the business and not-for-profit sectors, the MA in Public Policy Leadership provides opportunity to improve their research and analytical thinking, and to master the complex relationship between public policy and the business environment. As a partner to the business sector, public policy revolves around the ability to convert ideas into action within a context determined by executive and regulatory institutions, market forces and European/global triggers of change. Through excellence in learning and research, we strive to offer a unique experience where you will learn how to: Articulate ideas Think deeply and strategically Particiapte in engaging debates Transform ideas into workable projects Work within and through institutions Lead your organisation to higher levels of performance So whether you wish to improve your career prospects in the private sector, become a consultant, work abroad or lead your business team successfully, the Department of Public Policy will give you the knowledge, skills and networking to make it happen. Political activists Public sector officers EU advisors Civil society leaders People in leading and influential positions Journalists and opinion leaders Executives in statutory regulators < plus Young scholars Strategy formulators 5

6 Master of Arts Public Policy Leadership The MA programme has been a crucial vehicle for my career development at the National Audit Office. The expertly delivered lectures stimulated discussion on the most critical and current aspects of policy-making and public affairs management. Although demanding, it is also flexible and the learning tailored to suit our needs not only as students, but also as professionals within a limited time. William Peplow Senior Audit Manager National Audit Office The dissertation at a post-graduate level requires a deep understanding of research methods and the ability to critically analyse the topic under academic scrutiny. It is surely a very demanding task but the Department of Public Policy has a great team of supervisors who mentor and encourage students to realise their full potential. Katya Unah Research Analyst Commission on Domestic Violence The MA experience is certainly challenging and does require commitment and a careful balancing of time. But I have found the lectures and tutors to be very goal oriented, whilst flexible and understanding of my needs and responsibilities. It is one of the most rewarding learning experiences possible. Daniel Borg Senior Policy Analyst Tourism and Economic Development Directorate Ministry for Gozo This MA programme provides deep theoretical understanding as well as applied knowledge in the major areas of policy and leadership. I am now a much better professional and a more informed decision maker. As a public officer, I would definitely recommend this programme. Janette Schembri Assessor Department for Social Welfare Standards My experience within the Department of Public Policy was immensely helpful and enriching. It equipped me with an array of knowledge and analytical skills required of a diplomat serving the Government of Malta; a profession which entails strong interpersonal skills as well as a thorough understanding of both local and international politics. Chantal Sciberras Chargé d Affaires Maltese Embassy in Dublin, Ireland Personally this academic experience unveiled new and broader horizons, equipping me with the right tools and skills, both professional and personal, demanded to embrace an ever more-complex institutional design and policymaking environment. I am very satisfied with my choice. Ian Bugeja Projects Manager Planning and Priorities Coordination Division Ministry for European Affairs

7 Master of Arts Public Policy Leadership A student friendly environment The Department of Public Policy forms part of the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy at the University of Malta. Since its inception in 1979, the Department has been totally committed to the highest quality research, learning, mentoring and expertise in the areas of policy formulation, organisational change and institutional design. The Department cares for its students and provides them with professional and pastoral support during their academic programmes leading to Diploma, Honours, Masters and Doctoral degrees. Our coursework marking scheme is transparent, so that students are well informed about how they are assessed. Besides being academically well-qualified, our team of lecturers comes with years of professional experience in the public, private and NGO sectors. Lecturers know each student individually and share their passion for leadership competencies and public affairs management. Leadership casts a long shadow. This observation certainly holds true for our distinguished alumni. They are now spread across different employment sectors, both locally and overseas. Through their intellect, applied knowledge and passion for excellence, our graduates have led many entities through re-engineering processes to achieve higher standards of effectiveness, efficiency and quality. Learning styles The Master of Arts in Public Policy Leadership assures its participants an invaluable opportunity of professional and personal growth. Our student centred approach shifts the focus of knowledge transfer from the academics to the learners. Our approach makes use of different learning methods, including: ACTIVE LEARNING where students solve problems, formulate questions of their own, answer questions, discuss, explain, debate or brainstorm during class; COOPERATIVE LEARNING where students work in teams on problems and projects under conditions that assure both positive interdependence and individual accountability; INDUCTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING where students are first presented with challenges (questions or problems) and learn the course material in the context of addressing the challenges. 2

8 facebook.com/uom.publicpolicy University of Malta Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy Department of Public Policy Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this brochure, we continually review our courses and reserve the right to discontinue or amend course programmes. Tel: (+356) Fax: (+356) Editor: Mario Thomas Vassallo Artwork: Melchiore Farrugia Printing Unit, University of Malta June 2014 Copyright s: Website: