Public Policy|Public Policy and Administration

This module is a core component of the MPA programme, with a strong emphasis on the theory and application of the policy making process. In doing so it...

This module is a core component of the MPA programme, with a strong emphasis on the theory and application of the policy making process. In doing so it acknowledges the varying levels of student experience in this field. The module aims:

i)  to equip students with a knowledge of the theoretical foundations of the business of policymaking, with a strong focus on the elements of the policy design process (establishing a problem frame, drawing up options, developing decision criteria, selecting a course of action, etc).

ii)  to equip students with the skills necessary to apply this theory and perform as policy advisors at every step of this process: independent and critical thought, research skills, and effective writing for a policy audience.

At the end of the module students will have the necessary baseline understanding to gain the maximum from the MPA programme, and practical experience of grappling with the complex challenges faced by policymakers.

Overall this module examines why the space sector is important, socially, economically and politically, and why it is relevant to study in the context of...

Overall this module examines why the space sector is important, socially, economically and politically, and why it is relevant to study in the context of systems engineering. This is achieved first through examining the institutional and industrial landscape of organisations involved in space projects. The module then looks at the implementation of systems engineering lifecycles and methodologies and the overall approach to designing space missions. Space systems primarily include launchers, spacecraft and the ground segment which monitors, controls and make use of the services provided by the system. The module provides an understanding of the unique challenges of the environment in which spacecraft operate and the impacts this has on the system engineering activities to ensure a dependable design. It also looks at the applications which make use of space assets to deliver services of value to the users, and the future direction of the sector.

 