MSc Economics and Public Policy Programme Specification 2023-24

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1	ACADEMIC QUALITY TEAM
2	Programme Specifications 2023-24
3	Revised February 2023
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6	Programme Title			MSc Economics and Public Policy
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8	This document applies to students who commenced the programme(s) in:			2023		Award type			MSc
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10	What level is this qualification?			Level 7		Length of programme			1 year (12 months)
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12	Mode of study (Full / Part Time)			full time
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14	Will the programme use standard University semester dates?			yes		For York Online programmes, will standard dates for such programmes be used?
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16	Awarding institution			University of York		Board of Studies for the programme			Economics
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18	Lead department			Economics		Other contributing departments
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20	Language of study and assessment			English		Language(s) of assessment			English
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22	Is this a campus-based or online programme?			Campus
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24	Partner organisations
25	If there are any partner organisations involved in the delivery of the programme, please outline the nature of their involvement. You may wish to refer to the Policy on Collaborative Provision
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29	Reference points
30	Please state relevant reference points consulted in the design of this programme (for example, relevant documentation setting out PSRB requirements; the University's Frameworks for Programme Design (UG or PGT); QAA Subject Benchmark Statements; QAA Qualifications and Credit Frameworks).
31	PGT Programme Design Policy; QAA Subject Benchmark Statement: Economics
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34	Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
35	Will this programme involve any exemptions from the University Policy and Procedures on Credit Transfer and the Recognition of Prior Learning? If so, please specify and give a rationale
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37	N/A
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39	Exceptions to Regulations
40	Please detail any exceptions to University Award Regulations and Frameworks that need to be approved (or are already approved) for this programme. This should include any that have been approved for related programmes and should be extended to this programme.
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44	Internal Transfers
45	Please use the boxes below to specify if transfers into / out of the programme from / to other programmes within the University are possible by indicating yes or no and listing any restrictions. These boxes can also be used to highlight any common transfer routes which it would be useful for students to know.
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47		Transfers in:	Transfers when approved are allowed until the end of week three Autumn term. Later transfers maybe considered and approved on a case by case basis. Transfers between our programmes and to them from closely related programmes offered by the York Management School as well as those offered by the Department of Mathematics are generally considered for approval.			Transfers out:	Transfer out of our programmes to other units in the University are allowed on a case by case basis depending primarily on the destination programme's willingness to accept.
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50	Statement of Purpose
51	Please briefly outline the overall aims of the programme. This should clarify to a prospective student why they should choose this programme, what it will provide to them and what benefits they will gain from completing it.
52	This programme explores the application of economic analysis to public policy, addressing major issues such as distributive justice, poverty relief, social insurance, taxation, education, health-care, retirement pensions and housing. It aims to equip you with the core theoretical and quantitative skills required for the economic analysis and appraisal of public policy by providing thorough training in microeconomics, public sector economics, quantitative methods and other aspects of applied economics relevant to policy issues. Compared with a standard MSc programme in economics, it places greater emphasis on applied skills and offers a wider range of policy-related modules. Alongside the core content of the programme, you can pursue specialised interests through a choice of optional modules in areas such as macroeconomics, labour economics and experimental economics. You undertake a dissertation, which improves your research skills through independent investigation of a topic of your own choice under the guidance of a dissertation supervisor. On graduating from the programme you will have a strong foundation for a career in government, the public sector, international organisations, research centres, consultancy firms or universities. The coursework and dissertation ensure that you are well qualified to proceed to doctoral study.
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63	If there are additional awards associated with the programme upon which students can register, please specify the Statement of Purpose for that programme. This will be most relevant for PGT programmes with exit awards that are also available as entry points. Use additional rows to include more than one additional award. Do not include years in industry / abroad (for which there are separate boxes).
64	Exit Award Title			Is the exit award also available as an entry point?	Outcomes: what will the student be able to do on exit with this award?			Specify the module diet that the student will need to complete to obtain this exit award
65	PG Certificate			No	PLO 1 - 6 to be compeleted			any 60 taught module credits
66	PG Diploma			No	PLO 1 - 6 to be compeleted			any 120 taught module credits
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68	Programme Learning Outcomes
69	What are the programme learning outcomes (PLOs) for the programme? (Normally a minimum of 6, maximum of 8). Taken together, these outcomes should capture the distinctive features of the programme and represent the outcomes that students progressively develop in the programme and achieve at graduation. PLOs should be worded to follow the stem 'Graduates will be able to...'
70	1	Understand the main economic techniques adopted for the analysis of public policy and explain to policy makers how these techniques can improve policy decisions. (Economic concepts and their application)
71	2	Locate, compile and present economic data on public policy matters, employing relevant software applications, and interpret such data critically. (Handling and interpretation of economic data)
72	3	Use econometrics and other quantitative methods in analysing complex data and undertaking formal empirical tests of economic models addressed to public policy questions. (Quantitative techniques)
73	4	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. (Use and evaluation of academic literature)
74	5	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. (Economic analysis of policy)
75	6	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. (Critical appraisal of policy)
76	7	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. (Project planning and management)
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78	Diverse entry routes
79	Detail how you would support students from diverse entry routes to transition into the programme. For example, disciplinary knowledge and conventions of the discipline, language skills, academic and writing skills, lab skills, academic integrity.
80	The role of the academic supervisor is to recognize the needs of students when they arrive and signpost them to appropriate support services when needed. We signpost students to the Maths Skills Centre, which offers advice and guidance on maths topics, statistical concepts and analysis. We also advise the students to use the support of the Writing Centre, which offers advice and guidance on academic writing, critical thinking and analysis skills, developing effective study habits and communication skills. The Department has created a Student Action Group, where student representatives are paid for their involvement in order to build a stronger academic community.
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89	Inclusion
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91	Please confirm by ticking the box on the right that the design, content and delivery of the programme will support students from all backgrounds to succeed. This refers to the University's duties under the Equality Act 2010. You may wish to refer to the optional Inclusive Learning self-assessment tools to support reflection on this issue.
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93	Employability
94	Please give a brief overview - no more than 5 sentences - of how the programmes helps develop students' employability. Your Faculty Employability Manager can help reflection on this issue. This statement will be used by Marketing as the basis for external content with respect to employability.
95	The MSc in Economics and Public Policy prepares graduates for careers in the public sector and policy-setting environments in general, as well as potentially providing a good foundation for research in related areas. Students will acquire state-of-the-art analytical skills underpinning the ability to propose as well as evaluate public policy decisions. The programme also develops the necessary communication skills required to explain research findings to policy makers and civil servants.
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