Accessibility statement

Public Service Markets - SPY00161M

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  • Department: Social Policy and Social Work
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module introduces students into public service markets as an organising principle for managing and delivering public services. The module draws on theoretical and analytical approaches on public service markets and the innovations they bring in public service delivery such as increased competition among providers and user choice. The module explores how public service markets are utilised for achieving public policy objectives across a range of policy areas such as probation, prisons, employment, child and elderly care. Equally important, the module focuses on market failure and the need for government intervention to combat market distortions, corruption and underperforming service providers. The module focuses primarily on UK experiences and selected international cases.

Module learning outcomes

Having successfully completed this module students will:

  • Engage with key theoretical approaches on public service markets and critically reflect on their application to real-world examples

  • Compare how public service markets operate across policy areas and international contexts

  • Appreciate and reflect on the causes of market failure and market oversight

  • Appreciate the factors determining effectiveness of choice and regulation of competition in public services

  • Understand the governments’ role in setting frameworks and influencing outcomes

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 20
Essay/coursework 80

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 20
Essay/coursework 80

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

Boeger, N. and Sanchez-Graells, A. (2019) Classic Debates in Public Service Outsourcing, University of Bristol Law Research Paper Series No 8.

Gash, T., N. Panchamia, S. Sims and L. Hotson (2013). Making Public Services Markets Work: Professionalising government’s approach to commissioning and market stewardship, Institute for Government.

Levi-Faur, D (Ed.), (2012) The Oxford Handbook of Governance, Oxford: OUP


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.