This MRes is designed to provide students with an advanced theoretical and practical understanding of policy formation and implementation to masters degree level. The programme is focussed around current debates on policy-making, and public management in both developed and developing countries.

• What is the appropriate relationship between the public and private sectors?
• What is the significance of ‘partnership’ and the ‘new public management’ in the design and delivery of services?
• How are policy decisions made and implemented?
• How can public policy deal with issues of cultural diversity and value conflict?

These are the sorts of questions that you will explore in both theoretical and practical terms. If you wish to work at the interface of service delivery and/or help shape the future policy agenda, either in a developed or developing country context, then this programme is designed with your interests in mind.

If you enrol for this programme you can expect to develop your capabilities in the design and appraisal of applied social research and the research skills necessary to embark on research projects using a range of quantitative and qualitative methods. The aim is to enhance your transferable competencies and skills, and equip you for a career as a research professional in the public service - or to proceed to the next stage of a higher degree by research. On completion of this programme, you will be able to engage with theories of the policy process and relate them, as appropriate, to the problems of modern government. Specifically, you will be able to apply the techniques of applied social research to defining social problems and be able critically to assess the programmes that address them, understanding the nature and limits of the contribution research evidence can make to the policy process.

Programme content

The core modules are:

• Theories of the Policy-Making Process

This module will equip you with the skills to think critically about the theory and practice of policy making in contemporary states.
It introduces the concept of the policy cycle and proceeds to consider a range of frameworks which conceptualise policy-making from alternative paradigms on the nature of rationality and decisions.

• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

This module seeks to provide you with advanced research skills, including the ability to select and use relevant resources effectively and to devise research questions appropriate for postgraduate research. You will develop the capacity to undertake independent guided research at postgraduate level and to use advanced quantitative skills appropriate for postgraduate research. Further, you will be able to analyse, interpret and replicate published research using quantitative research methods and will acquire sufficient technical competence in using SPSS to perform a range of quantitative techniques in your own research.

One option module from the following:

• International Public Management
• Policy Analysis for the Developing World
• Implementation and Evaluation
• Case Studies in British Policy Making
• Issues in Democratisation
• Democracy in Plural Societies
• Sovereignty and Intervention in International Politics
• Political Economy: Theory and History
• The Americas in Comparative Perspective I: Historical Roots
• The Americas in Comparative Perspective II: Modern Politics and Society
• Themes and Cases in US Foreign Relations
• Nationalism, Democracy and Cosmopolitanism
• International Relations of the Middle East
• Visions of Capitalism

To help spread your workload we will suggest that you take an option module that runs in the second semester. Please note the availability of option modules and scheduling is confirmed at the start of the academic year.

Assessment

Assessment is by a mix of written coursework and unseen examination, plus a dissertation of around 12,000 words.

Entry requirements

Ideally you should have a good honours degree, preferably in a relevant subject. But we do consider applications from non-graduates with experience and ability if they are nominated by their employers. We are happy to advise informally on whether you are likely to be eligible for admission. If you are employed in the UK, expect to complete your course over two years, attending one day a week in term time. You should ensure that you allocate sufficient time to cope with the out of class requirements. Overseas officials and students without employment responsibilities complete their course in one year, usually attending for two days in term time.

Further information

You can apply online using the Queen Mary's online application system, full guidance notes are provided. If you require a paper-based application, please contact the Admissions Office who will send the form to you, please specify which programme you are applying for.

Please refer to the Queen Mary website for information about admissions, accommodation, entry requirements, English language requirements (see Arts General) and fees.

When applying it is essential you provide two recent academic references that comment on your suitability for the programme applied for, and degree transcript(s), which should list your marks for each module you have taken.

International students should check the the suitability of their qualifications at the country specific information available on the Queen Mary website or contact the International Office.

For informal queries about the programme, please contact our Postgraduate Administrator; Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 8587.