Unit Catalogue

This unit examines and evaluates the role of the policy practitioner with a view to understanding and critically evaluating the ways in which the concepts and theoretical perspectives on policymaking shape the doing of policy work. How do policy makers formulate, socialise, implement and evaluate policy initiatives and what does this look like from the perspective of those making policy in the context of a public policy environment? Students are required to critically assess the theoretical concepts that shape a practitioner's understanding of the policy ecosystem and the potential disconnect between theory, practice, and the experience of practice within a professional context. Students will develop an understanding of the 'doing' of policy work and strengthen their appreciation of and ability to critically analyse theory in the light of authentic, professional policy practice.