Politics and Public Policy MSc

This module is designed to help students obtain foundational knowledge both theoretical and practical - in the study of Public Policy. Students will critically engage with the theories, concepts, and heuristics of public policy and the policy process. Students will also gain knowledge of and critically assess current issues and trends in public policy and the field.

The module strategically combines traditional and existing approaches to policy studies with creative and online learning tools.

This module seeks to enable students to understand the relationships between citizens, the democratic process and political institutions in contemporary Britain. It is concerned with examining changing patterns of political participation and political action, changes in citizens' democratic values, and how these trends are affecting democratic politics and public support for democracy.

The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and methods of social research. You will interrogate key methodological debates regarding the production of knowledge and develop an understanding of a range of research designs and methods. You will also develop a range of skills, enabling you to apply your knowledge to the conduct of research. The module will therefore prepare you for carrying out research for your Dissertation, Work-based Dissertation and Policy Lab modules.

You will critically appraise social welfare policy in the UK and make international comparisons. You are encouraged to attend the Crown Court to witness its work and reflect on the roles and issues you encounter. You will also be working in one of NTU's mock courtrooms to provide a realistic experience.

This module provides the opportunity to link with social and civic organisations seeking to make a difference on a wide range of contemporary social issues as a public sociologist. Through dedicated service learning projects, you will apply your sociological imagination to issues in the civic sphere, work with practitioners, academics, and community members to propose and test solutions to some of the challenges those groups face.

The module considers the relationship between citizenship and the environment. It provides a critical overview of the last 20 years of academic debates concerning environmental citizenship, including models drawn from the civic-republican, liberal, anarchist, feminist, post-colonial and (post)cosmopolitan traditions within Western political thought. A range of contemporary environmental and sustainability issues, such as those relating to food, energy, clothing, waste, and consumption, will be explored in the context of these debates.

This module focuses on strengthening your negotiation and diplomacy skills. It is for those interested in developing their diplomatic and negotiation skills as well as their ability to form reasoned arguments and speak confidently in public. The module includes simulations of the UN, EU, and other multilateral platforms.

This module focuses on the study of gender in global politics and security. As Feminist Security Studies is a rapidly developing sub-filed of International Relations and Critical Security Studies, this module enables you to acquire theoretical insights into the gendered realities of contemporary world politics and insecurities. As the wider feminist research itself, this module draws on interdisciplinary theoretical discussions, ranging from politics and IR, security, or sociology to criminology and international development.

This module provides a programme of study on the concept, theories and processes of global governance with a focus on the role of contemporary international institutions. The study of global governance is becoming increasingly important in a world facing a multitude of problems requiring multilateral action.

This module covers the history, development and dynamics of political parties and political party systems in a variety of political contexts. It takes a theoretically framed and empirically rich approach to the study of the long-term development of parties, and the institutional and environmental drivers of change.

Increasing our intercultural communication skills in global educational and professional environments can help professionals work more effectively across and within cultures (Matveev, 2017). A lack of intercultural sensitivity can lead to offence, alienation and other negative outcomes, limiting our abilities to build cooperative, tolerant and respectful personal and working relationships. Therefore, it’s essential to break down cultural barriers by building awareness of different cultures, enhancing self-awareness and developing communication skills so that we’re equipped with the knowledge, skills and strategies needed in both professional and everyday life.

The overarching goal of the module is to equip you with the knowledge, skills and strategies to build your intercultural communication competence and successfully interact in multicultural settings, including in professional contexts.

Undertake practical research experience and meaningful engagement with external (or internal) partners on a real policy issue within the local East Midlands region or, alternatively, at national or international levels.

This module offers you the opportunity to produce a 1,500 word research plan, engage in a period of work-based learning and produce a 10,000 word (max) work-based research project. This project represents the culmination of your course and is an excellent opportunity to do work which is  creative, stretches your imagination, and meets rigorous standards for quality work in the chosen research area related to international security and/or international relations..

Throughout the degree course you will be introduced to a number of possible organisations which you might choose to contact as a means of securing a period of work-based learning. You might also establish links with your own chosen organisation, either throughout the year or through prior links. Either way, specific support arrangements are in place to aid students throughout this process.

The content of this module is different from others due to the nature of the exercise it entails. In many ways the dissertation is the culmination of your knowledge, skills and abilities gained throughout the academic year. Whilst ultimately it will entail a sustained independent engagement with a topic of your choice, regular supervision will be provided to help your research during the planning, preparation, and writing-up process.

The module is supported by a number of workshops which will allow you to develop your ability to design, carry out and present research of a high standard. The workshops will also help you to think about specific research projects and receive formative feedback on your work. Dissertation topics should fall within the overall remit of the courses. The course teams will assist you in negotiating an appropriate topic. The dissertation should demonstrate research skills in a particular context, identifying a problem which is of interest in your discipline, and analysing that problem.