Gain a thorough foundation in the tools required to analyse aspects of public policy. Gain exposure to up-to-date techniques and knowledge relevant to policy analysis in social and other public policy areas, and to public sector administration and financial management. If you already work in the public sector, the NHS or for an international agency, this course will help you upgrade your existing skills. If you have completed a degree in economics, this course will allow you to build your knowledge and expertise in more specialised areas, such as health economics, social policy analysis and public finance. The course is also suitable for those with a background in disciplines such as government, sociology, mathematics or natural sciences, who wish to develop their abilities in economics and related areas, particularly economic and social policy, administration and management. Learning outcomes Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there. Learning outcomes for this course Understand the main economic techniques adopted for the analysis of public policy and explain to policy makers how these techniques can improve policy decisions Locate, compile and present economic data on public policy matters, employing relevant software applications, and interpret such data critically Use econometrics and other quantitative methods in analysing complex data and undertaking formal empirical tests of economic models addressed to public policy questions Comprehend and utilise academic literature on the economics of public policy, with an ability to work independently, explain key ideas, and compare, contrast and synthesise different sources Apply the general principles of economic policy analysis to real policy issues, exercising independent judgement in the choice of appropriate techniques and using particular examples and case studies of policy decisions as a guide Carry out rigorous, theoretically informed critical appraisal of current economic policies and policy proposals, with a capacity to assess alternative views and take account of the wider social, political and ethical context Plan and manage a project with minimal guidance informed by relevant and current knowledge, identifying an appropriate methodology that applies well-developed economic analysis skills to policy-related topics, and effectively communicate results.
