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Advanced Policy Analysis - SPY00170M

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

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module explores the theory and practice of policy analysis. It begins by reviewing state-of-the-art theoretical debates about the nature of policy making in practice, providing students with a sophisticated understanding of the complex nature of policy making. In so doing, it draws on theoretical perspectives from across the social sciences, demonstrating the need to understand policy-making within a wide institutional, social, political and economic context. In exploring these theoretical debates students gain a deep understanding of the complex interactions of multiple factors that shape policy outcomes in practice. The module then moves on to consider practical frameworks for policy analysis, providing students with a flexible analytic framework that can be used to systematically evaluate policy options and is able to address complex real-world social and public policy problems.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module you should be able to:

  • Demonstrate awareness and understanding of the challenges policy makers face in making evidence based decisions in the context of complex and often competing social, economic and political pressures

  • Critically assess and offer informed commentary on theoretical debates about the policy making process, particularly perspectives that challenge linear understandings of policy development

  • Demonstrate awareness of applied policy analysis tools that can be used to critically evaluate responses to policy problems

  • Critically deploy applied policy analysis frameworks to real world policy problems with a view to providing evidence based policy advice

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

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

Bardach, E and Patashnik, E (2020) A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: the Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving. London: Sage.

Meltzer, R and Schwartz, A (2018) Policy Analysis as Problem Solving: a Flexible and Evidence-Based Framework. London: Routledge.

Weible, C and Cairney, P (2021) Practical Lessons from Policy Theories. Bristol: The Policy Press.


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.