Theories and Approaches in Public Policy Research

Learn how concepts and theories help researchers to identify and define policy problems, construct explanations about causes and effects, and generate applied research questions or hypotheses to be tested empirically. You will be introduced to a broad range of theoretical approaches that are employed by public policy researchers in the social sciences, law and philosophy.

Research Design and Qualitative Methods for Public Policy Research

Understand the core principles of research design and the distinct logics underlying different methodological approaches to public policy research. Become familiar with the main issues and techniques with which you will need to understand in order to both consume and produce qualitative research relevant to the public policy process. Establish the foundations for you to formulate well-crafted research questions and hypotheses as well as specific research designs to test them. 

Qualitative Methods for Public Policy Research

Explore the main principles, considerations and techniques of qualitative research as relevant to the policy-making process. Develop your understanding of, and practical skills in, the design, implementation and analysis stages of a qualitative research project. Outside of class, you will undertake reading, attend workshops in NVivo run by the IT Learning Centre, and complete formative exercises to develop your practical skills. These exercises will chart the typical qualitative research process as the term unfolds, including generating an interview topic guide, conducting and transcribing a short semi-structured interview, and the selection and application of appropriate analytic techniques.

Thesis Development Seminars

Define the policy problem you wish to research, develop your thesis research questions, and to consider the appropriate research methods to answer those questions. The seminars will supplement the regular meetings that you will have with your academic supervisor and your policy advisor.

Research in a Public Policy Context

Much more so than in academia, research in a public policy context is research as part of a team. Whether in a government department, a state agency, a think tank or indeed a school of government, researchers are expected to develop a wide range of practical skills to advance the overall goals of their organisations. The public policy context also imposes specific pressures, constraints and priorities. In this module students do not simply read about and discuss these issues in seminars, but also gain direct experience of such a role at the School.

Statistics for Public Policy

Examine the main principles, considerations and techniques of statistical methods as relevant to the policymaking process; develop your understanding of and practical skills in the design, implementation and analysis stages of a quantitative research project; and enable you to critically evaluate quantitative research. Through interactive lectures and workshops you will be confident in major statistical social science research techniques; have the practical skills to conduct quantitative research and analysis for a research project, including use of statistical software, and be able to critically evaluate quantitative research done by others in public policy research.

Option

In Trinity term you will select one option module, allowing you to have a ‘deep dive’ into a topic of particular interest. The option modules cover a wide range of contemporary policy issues (the availability of which may differ from year to year). 

Previous years have seen modules on Africa, big data, the challenges of democratisation, climate change, COVID-19, cybersecurity, economic development, education policy, housing policy, governing in a digital age, international economic relations of governments, international migration, legal and illegal politics, police and policing, political communication, social policy, sustainable nutrition, urban challenges in developing countries, and taxing business.

Thesis

In addition to the Option modules, you will also be working on your thesis on an applied public policy topic of your choice. This will continue into the summer.

Research Brief

You will also produce an accompanying research brief that distils insights from the research for decision-makers in government. The thesis will be supervised by a member of the Blavatnik School faculty or an academic working in a policy-focused research group or centre elsewhere in Oxford. In addition to your academic supervisor, you will also be assigned a policy advisor from a public policy organisation to provide advice and feedback on the research from a practitioner perspective.

Professional Skills Programme

To complement the MSc and its learning outcomes, the School offers a range of professional skills sessions designed to help you acquire, develop and enhance practical and transferable skills necessary for a successful career in public policy. You are encouraged to reflect upon your own professional experiences and to identify skills that you wish to acquire, develop or enhance during your time on the course. You are also strongly encouraged to draw upon the extensive range of experiences within the student cohort and share your own. 

By way of illustration, the opportunities for students in the MPP 2022–23 cohort included: 

• the UK Public Policy Seminar Series – learning first-hand from practising ministers and senior civil servants;
• one-to-one meetings with senior professionals from a range of organisations to discuss career options;
• one-to-one training in verbal communication and presentation skills from an award-winning public speaking executive coach;
• writing policy briefs and reports; and
• engaging with distinguished and diverse external speakers.

Once you have successfully completed the MSc, you will be invited to return to Oxford in the autumn to take part in the School’s end-of-course event and to graduate in person with your College.