Master of Arts in Public Policy

Public Policy Programme is an academic and vocational programme which aims to equip students with an understanding of the processes and structures through which policy development and implementation take place. The programme will also provide students with the skills required to conduct research which is policy directed. Such academic and vocational training is crucial in South Africa at present given the need for new policy formulation to address the multiplicity of social problems and developmental goals. The policy field is a growing one in South Africa in both the private and public sector, and job opportunities for students who have graduated from the public policy programme will be in demand in both of these sectors.

Appropriate Honours degree. Entry is also possible through University of Natal's Rule 33 for postgraduate study.

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the political processes involved in public policy
• Demonstrate an understanding of the stakeholders involved in the policy process
• Demonstrate a knowledge of current policy concerns and outcomes, and their impact on social development
• Identify policy related issues and evaluate their importance
• Understand the social context in which public policies are constructed
• Present arguments and perspectives both orally and in written form
• Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of most contemporary societies, and the causes of inequality
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the key theoretical debates and methodologies used in the public policy arena.
• Demonstrate some ability to conduct primary research
• Demonstrate an understanding of particular case studies in the field of public policy.
• Demonstrate self-directed study
• Summarise and evaluate substantial body of information
• Engage with the concepts, philosophies and concerns of a range of disciplines in the human sciences
• Work both individually and as a member of a group.
• Make use of information technology, and the ability to make use of the Internet in conducting research
• Compile a report/dissertation which indicates an ability to conduct independent research; illustrate originality and creativity; familiarity with the identified area of study.
• Monitor the effectiveness of policy implementation in line with the goals of social development and reconstruction
• Develop appropriate strategies and methods for policy related research
• Market the skills, knowledge and values obtained in the programme to policy related bodies and institutions in both the public and private sector

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the general field of public policy.
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of specific areas pertaining to public policy, particularly policy analysis, policy formation, and policy implementation.
• Understand the interrelationships amongst various areas of the field of knowledge.
• Analyse components / issues / factors / structures which underpin the study and application of public policy.
• Grasp the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of public policy formation, analysis and implementation.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current critical debates in the field of public policy.
• Summarise, compare and evaluate a substantial body of knowledge.
• Construct a sustained argument, formulate questions, and work toward solutions.
• Command the conceptual discourse of the field of public policy.
• Solve problems, both theoretical and applied pertaining to the analysis, formulation and implementation of public policy.
• Have an appropriate understanding of the discipline concerned, in particular, sociology and political studies.
• Contextualise the study of public policy within the social environment and the historical understanding.
• Develop a clear understanding of the historical and present state and possible future of the disciplinary areas that constitute public policy.
• Demonstrate a command of academic English at an appropriate level.
• Understand diversity
• Work individually
• Work efficiently in groups
• Present findings at an appropriate level, both orally and in writing.
• Carry out a substantial independent research project conforming to acknowledged scholarly protocols.

Integrated Assessment

The University of Natal is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all / most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification.