Curriculum
MPP students will be required to achieve 64 Modular Credits and a Cumulative Average Point (CAP) of minimum 3.0 to graduate. You need to complete the following:
- 8 Core modules
- 5 Elective modules in a chosen Specialisation
- 4 Elective modules
You may opt to graduate without a Specialisation.
Core Modules
The core modules focus on imparting practical skills, disciplinary knowledge, and interdisciplinary competencies necessary for the work done by policy practitioners, researchers, public managers and leaders.
Hide the list of Core modulesShow the list of Core modules- PP5401 Policy Challenges (4 Modular Credits)
This module is designed to get students to think in a practical, problem-oriented, and multidisciplinary way through critical lenses and analytical tools available in the disciplines of Public Management and Leadership, Political Science and International Relations, and Economics, all pillars of a traditional Public Policy education. - PP5402 Policy Process and Institutions (2 Modular Credits)
The module is about approaches, institutions and processes in public policy. Specifically, it examines: definition and approaches to the analysis and practice of public policy; the political economic context of public policy; and the process of framing, making, and evaluating public policy. The objective is to build students’ capability to conceptualise policy problems, devise strategies for addressing them, and comprehend policy documents. - PP5403 Economic Foundations for Public Policy (4 Modular Credits)
As Economics is an essential component of a Public Policy education, all students will be expected to graduate with at least a basic understanding of the key concepts and theories associated with microeconomics and macroeconomics. The main objective of this module is to understand foundational economics concepts and principles and their application to public policy. - PP5405 Public Administration and Politics(2 Modular Credits)
This MPP core module course covers the key foundational topics of public administration and politics, such as the role of government; public and private sector relations and dynamics; political-administrative relations; collaboration and networks; performance management; stakeholder management; and values, ethics, and anti-corruption strategies. It will provide students with knowledge, tools, and best practices of thinking about these administrative, political and managerial problems necessary to effectively continue their studies. - PP5406 Quantitative Research Methods for Public Policy 1 (4 Modular Credits)
To train students to be competent users and producers of quantitative evidence for policy analysis, this module will equip students with foundational quantitative analytic skills. The focus is on basic concepts of multiple regression analysis and its applications to real-world policy problems. Exercises through textbook examples, case studies, and group projects will enable students to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the method. PP5407, provided in sequence in the second semester, will provide students with more in-depth knowledge and skills required to understand and conduct policy evaluation. - PP5407 Quantitative Research Methods for Public Policy 2 (4 Modular Credits)
Policy evaluation is critical in helping to decide whether to expand, modify, or terminate a program or policy. The objective of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to understand and conduct policy evaluation. The module will build on the foundational analytical skills taught in PP5406. The focus is on rigorous quantitative evaluation tools. These will be taught using case studies and datasets that will allow students to identify the strengths and weaknesses of these methods and learn how to apply them to a policy problem of their choice. - PP5408 Qualitative Research Methods for Public Policy (4 Modular Credits)
How can qualitative research methods be used to answer questions about public policy development and outcomes? How do we overcome concerns about objectivity and representativeness? This course introduces students to the conceptual foundations of qualitative research in the social sciences. It covers a wide range of techniques for conducting research with policy makers and the public, and on country cases. The course will prepare students to consume and conduct qualitative research by combining both theoretical and procedural understanding. - PP5110A Policy Analysis Exercise (4 Modular Credits)
To obtain direct practical experience, MPP students work in diverse teams to undertake a public policy or management study for a client in the public, private, or not-for-profit sectors. Learn more about the Policy Analysis Exercise.
Specialisation
The Specialisation component offers students depth and sophistication in their selected area of expertise. The Specialisation areas are:
- Economic Policy Analysis
- Politics and International Affairs
- Management and Leadership
Electives
In addition, MPP students can choose to read any 5 electives as their Elective modules, either in their chosen Specialisation or from other Specialisations.
For a list of all Elective modules offered, click here.
Cross-Faculty Modules
Students may also register for a maximum of 3 Elective modules offered in other postgraduate programmes, such as Business Administration, Economics, Political Science and Southeast Asian Studies.
Typical MPP Academic Calendar for 2017 / 2018
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|
PP5402 Policy Process and Institutions (2MC) | PP5405 Politics and Public Administration (2MC) | PP5401 Policy Challenges (4MC) |
PP5406 Quantitative Research Methods for Public Policy 1
(4MC) | PP5407 Quantitative Research Methods for Public Policy 2
(4MC) |
PP5403 Economic Foundations for Public Policy (4MC) | PP5408 Qualitative Research Methods for Public Policy (4MC) |
Elective 1 (4MC) | Elective 2 (4MC) |
Year 2
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|
PP5110A Policy Analysis Exercise (4 MC) |
*Specialization Elective 1 (4MC) | *Specialization Elective 4 (4MC) |
*Specialization Elective 2 (4MC) | *Specialization Elective 5 (4MC) |
*Specialization Elective 3 (4MC) | Elective 4 (4MC) |
Elective 3 (4MC) | |
*Specialization is not mandatory. If a student choose not to specialized, the specialization elective would be replaced by an elective.
Continuation and Termination
For any semester in which the student’s CAP falls below 3.0, he or she will be issued a warning. If the student’s CAP falls below 3.0, but above 2.5 in the following semester, he or she will be placed on probation. A student whose CAP falls below 2.5 for two consecutive semesters or 3.0 for three consecutive semesters will have his or her candidature terminated.
Enquiries
Aside from the comprehensive information on our admissions page, if you have any other queries or would like to receive a copy of our programme brochure, please submit your request via our query form. Alternatively, you may also speak to our admissions officers at +65 65168004.