Analysing Public Policy (20)

Code School Level Credits Semesters
SOCI3008 Sociology and Social Policy 3 20 Autumn UK
Code
SOCI3008
School
Sociology and Social Policy
Level
3
Credits
20
Semesters
Autumn UK

Summary

The module examines how public policy is made within government. It provides a critical understanding of how policy is formulated and implemented. The module focuses on key phases of the policy process, from agenda-setting to policy impact. The module provides an applied understanding of policy analysis by examining relevant case studies (e.g., child abuse, ageing population).

Target Students

Available to Level 3 and Level 4 UG students and PGT students including subsidiary students from outside the school and exchange students.

Classes

This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.

Assessment

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

To provide students with an insight into the processes of public policy, including agenda-setting, policy development, implementation and evaluation. To provide students with theoretical concepts framing the processes above. To provide students with insights into case studies on policy-making in different policy areas and contexts.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge & Understanding:


• Understanding of the interplay of key factors in the public policy process.
• Understanding of different approaches to policy analysis.
• Understanding of the wider context of public policy.

Intellectual skills:


• Ability to assess critically key concepts of policy analysis.
• Ability to apply theoretical concepts in the analysis of practical case studies.
 

Professional/practical skills:


• Ability to identify the impact of key demographic, economic and socio-cultural trends on public policy.
• Ability to reflect critically on various approaches to policy analysis and their implications.
 

Transferable/key skills:


• Ability to form and present arguments based on existing and new knowledge, through group discussions and independent reading.
 

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.