Name of Programme
Professional Doctorate Public Policy and Political Economy
Final Award
DProf
Location
Blended
Awarding Institution/Body
University Of mini´«Ã½
Teaching Institution
University Of mini´«Ã½
School of Study
School of Humanities and Social Sciences [Economics and International Studies]
Programme Code(s)
RPDP4PPPEC / Part Time / 4 Years
Professional Body Accreditation
N/A
Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement (SBS)
QAA: Doctoral Degree Characteristic Statement (2020
Admission Criteria
Good Honours (2.1 or above) BA or BSc degree in an appropriate discipline or a relevant Masters degree. If you only have a Masters degree, you must have achieved an average of 60 per cent or above.
In addition, you must have had two years’ work experience in a relevant area if you are currently working. Alternatively, you can enter the programme if you have had ten years’ previous relevant work experience if you are no longer working in a public policy area or if you are not working at all.
In addition, you must have had two years’ work experience in a relevant area if you are currently working. Alternatively, you can enter the programme if you have had ten years’ previous relevant work experience if you are no longer working in a public policy area or if you are not working at all.
Applicable Cohort(s)
October 2023 onwards
FHEQ Level
8
UCAS Code
Summary of Programme
The programme is aimed at individuals who are working in, or who have previously worked in, an area of public policy practice (for example, a think tank, charity, in journalism, in the civil service or a central bank, or as a political researcher). The format of teaching and research provides a structured, but flexible, framework making this the ideal way to combine doctoral studies with professional life.
The programme leads to the qualification “Doctor of Public Policy and Political Economy” and will be an important qualification for those wishing to advance a career in any area of public policy or advance an academic career. We also welcome students later in life who, as well as studying for the qualification, will be able to share their experience with other students at the study weekends.
The delivery of the programme will be a mixture of online provision and seminars at the study weekends held at the Vinson Centre.
Over the first five months of the programme, the students will share a series of weekly webinars held for the MA students in Political Economy (by research), in collaboration with the Institute of Economic Affairs, a leading UK economic think tank and educational charity. These webinars, spread over one and a half terms, will cover all the major schools of political economy.
The programme leads to the qualification “Doctor of Public Policy and Political Economy” and will be an important qualification for those wishing to advance a career in any area of public policy or advance an academic career. We also welcome students later in life who, as well as studying for the qualification, will be able to share their experience with other students at the study weekends.
The delivery of the programme will be a mixture of online provision and seminars at the study weekends held at the Vinson Centre.
Over the first five months of the programme, the students will share a series of weekly webinars held for the MA students in Political Economy (by research), in collaboration with the Institute of Economic Affairs, a leading UK economic think tank and educational charity. These webinars, spread over one and a half terms, will cover all the major schools of political economy.
Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme will give participants a clear understanding of different authors and schools of thought in political economy and enable them to assess their schools’ strengths and weaknesses and how to apply them to modern policy issues. The students will be able to apply some of the key concepts, theories and policy debates introduced in the programme to the policy issues and policy areas of their interest.
The study weekends in mini´«Ã½ will enable the students to develop the research and presentational skills required to conduct in-depth independent research, critical to the development of their thesis in module 4. The study weekends will also include presentations by public policy practitioners that will provide the level of detail and expertise needed to produce a comprehensive research project leading to their doctoral thesis.
The study weekends in mini´«Ã½ will enable the students to develop the research and presentational skills required to conduct in-depth independent research, critical to the development of their thesis in module 4. The study weekends will also include presentations by public policy practitioners that will provide the level of detail and expertise needed to produce a comprehensive research project leading to their doctoral thesis.
Programme Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
1. A broad understanding of the main schools of political economy since Adam Smith and the strengths and weaknesses of each school/author.2. A detailed knowledge and understanding of a particular political economy approach – either a particular thinker or thinkers, or a particular approach to a current or past policy
issue
3. A detailed understanding of the problems associated with the design, drafting and implementation of a public policy.
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Teaching/Learning Strategy
1. The webinars will give students this broad coverage.2. The lectures during the study weekends and the process of preparing their research project will require the student to acquire more detailed knowledge and understanding of the relevant topic and policy area
3. The feedback given by the supervisor(s) in module 4 in one-to-one sessions.
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Assessment Strategy
See Programme Structure belowProgramme Outcomes
Cognitive Skills
1. The ability to interpret critically a broad range of different ideas and theories in the context of the time where they were developed. 2. The ability to develop critical analysis of particular writers and schools, and to apply their theories/hypotheses to modern public policy problems rigorously. 3. The ability to identify a gap in the literature and develop a doctoral thesis on a relevant policy issue.→
Teaching/Learning Strategy
1. The webinar series and the study weekends will enable students to develop these skills, present their own reflections on issues covered, and prepare a detailed research project leading to their doctoral thesis.2. The feedback given by the supervisor(s) in module 4 in one-to-one sessions.
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Assessment Strategy
These skills are demonstrated in written work (see assessment criteria below), including the thesis. It will also be demonstrated in the active participation of the students in the webinar sessions and the study weekends sessions.Programme Outcomes
Practical/Transferable Skills
1. The ability to write clearly and accurately on complex topics.2. The ability to present ideas in verbal presentations and discussion
3. The ability to write a thesis at doctoral level.
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Teaching/Learning Strategy
1. Feedback given by the supervisor(s) on their essays (see assessment criteria below) and the preparation of their thesis, as well as by the feedback given in the study weekends sessions by their peers and other members of the staff.→
Assessment Strategy
1. Presentation of their research proposals at study weekends.2. Assessment of their essays and research project by the supervisor(s) in one-to-one sessions.
3. Assessment of the doctoral thesis.
External Reference Points
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the mini´«Ã½ and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Date of Production
Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee
Date approved by School Board of Study
Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee
Date of Annual Review