MA Public Policy Course:

M.A. in Public Policy

The M.A. in Public Policy program provides a deep understanding of how public policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated. It prepares students to assess issues, develop strategies, and advocate for solutions in the realms of healtheducationeconomicsenvironmental protection, and social welfare. Students learn to address contemporary challenges in governance while fostering social equity, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

Course Duration

  • Duration: Typically 2 years (4 semesters).
  • Some universities may offer accelerated or part-time options.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an M.A. in Public Policy, candidates must meet the following criteria:

A. Educational Qualification

  • Bachelor’s degree in any field, though those with backgrounds in Political ScienceSociologyEconomicsLaw, or Public Administration are often preferred.
  • Minimum Marks: Candidates typically need to have scored 50-60% or more in their undergraduate studies, though this can vary by university.

B. Entrance Exams

Some universities may require candidates to take entrance exams to evaluate their aptitude for public policy studies. These exams typically assess general knowledgecurrent affairs, and analytical reasoning.

C. Additional Requirements

  • Personal Interview (PI) and/or Group Discussion (GD) may be part of the selection process at some universities.
  • Work experience in relevant fields, such as governmentNGOsresearch, or public administration, is sometimes an added advantage but not mandatory.

Syllabus of M.A. in Public Policy

The M.A. in Public Policy program is interdisciplinary, combining aspects of political scienceeconomicslawadministration, and social sciences. Here’s an overview of the subjects covered:

A. Core Subjects

  1. Introduction to Public Policy
    • Basics of policy analysis, policy formulation, and the policy cycle.
    • Understanding of the political, economic, and social contexts of policy decisions.
  2. Policy Analysis and Evaluation
    • Techniques and methodologies for analyzing, designing, and evaluating public policies.
    • Cost-benefit analysis, impact assessment, and public opinion.
  3. Governance and Public Administration
    • Study of governmental institutions, the role of bureaucracy, and administrative systems.
    • Public administration principles and their role in policy implementation.
  4. Political Economy of Public Policy
    • Interaction between politics and economics in shaping policies.
    • The role of government in the market and economy.
  5. Social Policy
    • Policies related to healthcareeducationhousing, and welfare.
    • Addressing inequality and poverty through policy interventions.
  6. Environmental Policy and Sustainability
    • Global and local environmental issues, climate change, and sustainable development policies.
    • International environmental agreements and national policies.
  7. Public Finance and Policy
    • Understanding government budgeting, fiscal policy, taxation, and public expenditure.
    • Economic implications of policy decisions.
  8. Policy Research Methods
    • Techniques for conducting research in public policy, including data collection, qualitative and quantitative research methods.
  9. Ethics and Public Policy
    • Ethical considerations in the creation and implementation of policies.
    • Role of accountability, transparency, and integrity in public policy.

B. Elective Subjects

Students may also choose electives based on their specific interests:

  • Health Policy
  • Urban and Rural Development Policy
  • International Public Policy
  • Labour and Employment Policy
  • Global Governance and International Relations
  • Public Sector Management

C. Dissertation/Project Work

  • Some universities require students to complete a dissertation or policy analysis project as part of the program, which allows them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world policy challenges.

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