Teaching
The MPhil in Public Policy course consists of the following modules:
Six Core modules (Three modules in Michaelmas Term and three modules in Lent Term).
Policy Specific case studies.
Professional Skills Development training taught across all three terms. This includes policy debates, panel discussions, and masterclasses.
The writing of a significant piece of Independent Policy Research for submission at the end of the Easter Term.
Students will also be encouraged to undertake additional skills training, provided by CaRM, the University’s interdisciplinary programme providing training in research methods for postgraduate students and staff at the University of Cambridge.
The course will be taught through in-person lectures, seminars and classes; and the modules will cover economics, statistics, politics and public policy, and policy analysis. Lectures will be given by academic staff and policy professionals who have a recognised expertise in the field of study. Masterclasses / seminars will be delivered by external speakers with specialist experience or knowledge. Every student will have the support of an assigned supervisor throughout their course. A key focus of these supervisions will be to provide guidance and support with their Independent Policy Research.
Students will be expected to undertake personal study and exploration of material, and work with peers in small groups. They will also be encouraged to attend drop-in sessions and informal student forums.
| One to one supervision |
Typically, students will have three supervisions per term. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes |
Modules will usually be taught in two hour sessions, on a weekly basis (16 hours per module). This may vary between modules. Individual modules will differ in how they are taught. Typically, modules are taught by interactive lectures, group activities, and practical exercises. There will be additional workshops, practical labs, and drop-in sessions around specific skills. Students will also be required to attend two Negotiations Sessions and a five-day Policy Analysis Exercise at the end of Easter Term. |
| Lectures |
Generally, there are five modules taught in both Michaelmas and Lent Term, this includes Case Studies and Professional Skills. Each core module usually involves two-three hours of teaching per week, across eight weeks. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Predominantly Taught
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Feedback
Feedback is given in a variety of ways. Students can expect to receive verbal feedback in their one-to-one supervisions; a written supervision report at the end of each term; and Examiner feedback reports for each assessed piece of coursework submitted and marked.
Students also can provide course feedback by completing the end of term feedback surveys based on the modules taught that term. These surveys are used to evaluate the suitability of course content and delivery, and the quality of staff teaching.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Students will be required to write a dissertation between 10,000-15,000 words in length (including footnotes and appendices, but excluding a bibliography) on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.
Students will be required to choose either a research track or professional track focus by Week 4 of the first term. The professional track will include a work placement element (either sourced by the student or from a selection provided by the Department), and the research track will include a research colloquium and access to the Department’s research seminars
Other
Assessment will be through a range of formats which may include coursework, written and oral examinations, posters, presentations and projects.
Computer-based tests may be used to assess statistical skills and knowledge.
The examination may, at the discretion of the Examiners, include an oral examination on any of the work submitted for the examination.