GV4F4      Half Unit
Policy Advice in Theory and Practice

This information is for the 2023/24 session.

Teacher responsible

Elise Antoine

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in International Migration and Public Policy, MSc in International Migration and Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in Public Administration and Government (LSE and Peking University) and MSc in Public Policy and Administration. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

This course is capped at 3 groups.

Course content

Many masters graduates in public policy and administration go on to work in organizations that produce or consume policy advice. With this in mind, this course will look at how policy advice is produced and used. It has three objectives: to introduce students to a range of theoretical and empirical scholarship on the issues involved in producing and using policy advice; to develop practical policy analysis and communication skills required of policy advisors; and to expose students to practitioners who produce and use policy advice. Students will develop their policy analysis and communication skills by critically analysing the theoretical scholarship on policy advice, the science-policy link, and research impact. Moreover, we will apply this analysis to real-world cases during the seminars, in group presentations and exercises, and in the formative and assessed coursework.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures totalling a minimum of 35 hours across Winter Term. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Winter Term.

Formative coursework

One formative essay (2,000 words) and one group presentation

Indicative reading

Bardach, Eugene (2009) A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis, Third Edition. Washington, DC: CQ Press.

Stone, D.A., (2002). Policy paradox: The art of political decision making, New York: Norton.

Scott, C. and Baehler, K. (2010) Adding Value to Policy Analysis and Advice, Sydney: University of New South Wales Press

Weimer, David L. and Vining, Aidan R. (2005) Policy Analysis: Concepts and Practice, Fourth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Assessment

Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours) in the spring exam period.
Project (50%, 2500 words).

Student performance results

(2019/20 - 2021/22 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 32.2
Merit 66.1
Pass 1.7
Fail 0

Key facts

Department: Government

Total students 2022/23: 29

Average class size 2022/23: 17

Controlled access 2022/23: Yes

Lecture capture used 2022/23: Yes (LT)

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Specialist skills