Public Policy

MSc in Public Policy

Introduction

Programme Aims and Objectives

• Viewing public policy analysis as the technology to the science of social science is central both to the delivery of courses and to student assessment.

• The course prepares students to perform, understand and communicate professional policy analysis in the public sector and sectors working to it.

• The programme employs problem-based learning (PBL) — this involves you becoming versed in the most up-to-date aspects of and science behind a relevant discipline, observing these elements in operation by working through case studies, and then using the knowledge gained to solve set problems.

• To prepare you for the working world, you’ll be prompted to collaborate with other students to define problems, identify relevant data to solve these and divide work in fair and efficient ways.



Why Do This Programme?

• Join the growing number of professional policy specialists working directly for state, national and international organisations; or serve as a policy specialist in a private sector or civil society organisation with an increasing need to be informed in public policy.

• Become a policymaker or an informed actor in the policymaking system by developing skills and knowledge in quantitative methods, policy design and implementation, research design, communications skills, law, and policy analysis.

• Increase your expertise in specific policy areas.

• Gain real-world experience of policymaking in a variety of fields through engagement with civil society organisations, local authorities, public agencies and government departments.

• Build relationships and contacts with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds, a range of specialists and policymakers that will give you a head start as you build your career.

Programme Academic Structure for 2023 - 2024, MSc in Public Policy

This information is provisional & subject to change.



Full-time Programme Structure

Year 1 Core Modules:

Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category

LG5003 Public Policy Analysis 10 Semester 1 0 100 1

LG5006 Policy Analysis Exercise 25 Autumn Semester 0 100 2

LG5007 Policy Challenges 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG5025 Quantitative Methods for Social Sciences 1 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG5060 Political Theory and Public Policy 10 Semester 1 0 100 1

LG5065 Research Design for Policy Makers 5 Semester 1 0 100 1



Year 1 Optional Modules -

Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category

LG5008 Environmental Change and World Politics 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG5024 EU Institutional Law 10 Semester 1 0 100 1

LG5034 Climate Change Policy and Governance 10 Semester 1 0 100 1

LG5040 Public Policy Evaluation 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG5044 EU Banking and Finance Law 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG5056 Climate Change and Cities 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG5063 Health Policy 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG5069 Housing Policy 10 Semester 1 0 100 1

LG5070 EU Trade Law and Policy 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG525 Irish Foreign Policy 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

PR9010 Education Policy 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

UM405 Uaneen Non-Contributing Module Year long 0 100 1



Part-time Programme Structure

Year 1 Core Modules:

Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category

LG5003 Public Policy Analysis 10 Semester 1 0 100 1

LG5060 Political Theory and Public Policy 10 Semester 1 0 100 1



Year 1 Optional Modules,

Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category

LG5007 Policy Challenges 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG5008 Environmental Change and World Politics 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG5024 EU Institutional Law 10 Semester 1 0 100 1

LG5040 Public Policy Evaluation 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG5044 EU Banking and Finance Law 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG5063 Health Policy 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG5069 Housing Policy 10 Semester 1 0 100 1

LG5070 EU Trade Law and Policy 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

LG525 Irish Foreign Policy 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

PR9010 Education Policy 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

PR9011 Qualitative Methods for Social Sciences 10 Semester 2 0 100 1



Year 2 Core Modules:

Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category

LG5006A Policy Analysis Exercise 25 Autumn Semester 0 100 2

LG5065A Research Design for Policy Makers 5 Semester 1 0 100 1

Requirements

For admission to the MSc in Public Policy programme, successful applicants will have -

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent,

• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.

• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:



• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2024.

• Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2024.



Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.



All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.



Queries

Queries from EU applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie

Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to internationalapplications@dcu.ie



To apply for this programme:

• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal - view Application Weblink above

• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.

• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.



Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml



Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

1 year Full Time

2 years Part Time

The programme commences in September 2024.

Careers

The MSc in Public Policy’s range of modules equips participants with a range of social science skills, such as quantitative analysis, research design, economics and communications methods to develop, analyse, evaluate and communicate public policies. These have been carefully chosen, in consultation with key stakeholders such as senior civil servants and ministers, so that graduates of the programme are in position to become leaders in policymaking.



Potential Careers

• Policy Advisor

• Policy Maker

• Public Servant

• Communications Consultant