MASTER IN PUBLIC POLICY CURRICULUM

The core curriculum focuses on quantitative skills and analysis, economics, political science, public management and leadership. It comprises 8 core modules, a Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE), and 6 electives.

Each core/elective module equals to 8 ECTS credits and PAE equals to 16 ECTS credits. The total number of credits in the program in 128 ECTS.

*Order of the modules can be reconsidered by the School

THE LIST OF CORE MODULES

MPP 601 – Microeconomics and Public Policy

The module is designed to develop an appreciation of how microeconomics concepts and tools can be utilized to analyze public policy issues. It covers traditional microeconomics topics, such as theory of consumer behavior, choice under uncertainty, and behavior of firm under various market structures. Economic theory is applied to a wide range of policy issues. The module emphasizes application rather than exclusively theoretical concepts.

MPP 611 – Statistical Techniques for Public Policy

This module provides students with a solid grounding in quantitative techniques used to analyze public policy. The major topics covered are: sampling and survey design, linear regression and the classical model, model building for regression analysis, multiple regression analysis, time series analysis and forecasting, and dummy dependent variable models. At the end of the course students will be expected to use advanced statistical tools case studies based on the real world of public policy and draw appropriate policy conclusions.

MPP 621 – Introduction to Public Policy and Analysis

This module is an introduction to the public policy process, and intended for the beginner policy analysts. It considers a number of fundamental questions including: 1) rationale for collective interference in private affairs; 2) limitations to collective action; 3) generic instruments of public policy; 4) how can social costs and benefits be measured; and 5) what are the appropriate roles of policy analysts in democratic and developing societies.

MPP 612 – Public Policy Research and Evaluation

This module introduces students to the basic concepts and methods in social science research and their application in public policy analysis. It focuses on the development of students’ professional skills in research design, data collection techniques, and analysis for the purposes of conducting policy research and evaluation. The main topics on the course include measurement, experiments, sampling, survey research, qualitative data collection and analysis, and methods for secondary analysis. A strong emphasis will be given to cost-benefit analysis, an important tool of policy research and evaluation. Theoretical foundations and methodologies in conducting cost-benefit analysis will be examined.

MPP 602 – Macroeconomics and Public Policy

This module examines the essential features of key macroeconomic policy instruments used in the attainment of policy objectives such as full employment, price stability, and economic growth. Short-term policy tools such as monetary and/or exchange rate policy, government expenditure and levy policy, and, wages and foreign labor policy will be examined. Longer-term policies such as saving and investment policy, ways of achieving international competitiveness, human resource policy and policies aimed at promoting economic growth and factor productivity will also be covered.

MPP 613 – Public Policy Research Design and Analysis

This module is the second of a set of two Research Method modules and provides an introduction to the design of research studies in applied public policy settings. The design and implementation of research studies is contextualized in current policy issues and takes into account the practical constraints of the real world. Topics covered include sampling methods, both quantitative and qualitative; focus groups; experimental and quasi-experimental designs; data analysis; and research report writing. The quality of the research will be discussed, including the soundness of the design, methods of data collection, methods of data analysis, and the feasibility of the conclusions drawn from evidence.

MPP 641 – Public Management and Leadership

This module reviews major strategies for improving the performance of public sector organizations. It critically examines “New Public Management” (NPM) approaches to reform, exploring the conditions in which these may be successfully applied to a range of a country contexts and organisational settings. The role of leadership in redefining organisational missions, building operational capacities and mobilising political support for reform is a cross-cutting theme.

MPP 631 – Politics and Public Policy

This module addresses the question, ‘Regarding the political world, what do we need to know in order to have a critical understanding of the rationale, mechanics, and prospects of policy making in the modern world?’ The first part of the module explores the institutions, practices, cultures, interests, and actors of modern political systems, whereas the second part focuses on modern political theories and ideologies that have conditioned the possibilities and limitations of policymaking. Cases and examples will be drawn primarily from Asian experience but discussed in comparison with appropriate cases and examples from elsewhere.

MPP 699 – Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE) with Singapore Component

The PAE is a public policy or management study, completed for a client or a target organization (where possible). It is, in essence, the applied version of the traditionally theoretical Master thesis. It requires each student to define and analyze an actual policy issue. In doing this, students develop confidence and competence in meeting the professional demands they will subsequently face. In completing the PAE, students must be prepared to define and structure the problem, organize data, define and carry out analyses of the issue and conclude with specific action recommendations as part of a clear and persuasive written report.

A complete list of courses, including electives, can be found on the Registrar’s website https://registrar.nu.edu.kz/course-catalog