As a student in the MPP with Social Policy specialization you will explore various social policy domains that require a coordinated response that promotes the sustainable improvement of all members of society, especially for those vulnerable children, elderly and marginalized adults. A particular focus of this specialization is policymaking and governance in the MENA region which presents a context of instability and uncertainty for policy makers. The social policy specialization combines analytic training with opportunities for applied research and real world experience.
As a student in the MPP with Education specialization, you will explore a practice-focused curriculum grounded in social science research, and come to understand the broader social, economic, political, and historical context of contemporary education and education policy. You will participate both in the analysis of education policy and in broader political debates about the aims and structure of educational systems in the MENA region and how the compare with global education systems.
As a student in MPP with Science and Technology specialization, you will explore the notion that Science and Technology provide the foundations of our understanding of the natural world and its relationship to human welfare. Additionally, students will develop a firm understanding of how science and technology can inform sound public policy development. The broad scope of the program will expose students to the role of science and technology in policymaking on issues such as environmental imbalances, energy sources, human health, and national defense. This specialization considers MENA region policies toward science and technology itself and the roles that stakeholders such as scientists, engineers, and physicians play in the policy process.
Prior to enrolling in a Master of Public Policy (MPP) program students must demonstrate proficiency in basic statistics and research methods. These requirements can be met by passing an undergraduate university level subject in statistics and/or research methods. Students who have not demonstrated previous proficiency in basic statistics and research methods will be required to take the Foundation Course for Research Methods in Public Policy during their first semester of academic study. Furthermore, these students will be limited to enrolling and studying one Core Module, in addition to the Foundation Course for Research Methods in Public Policy, in their first academic semester as part of their Master of Public Policy (MPP) program of study.
To be awarded a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree requires the successful completion of six (6) Modules and a Dissertation totaling 180 (CATS) credits with an overall average grade of 60% (Merit) or above, in accordance with the Graduate Completion Policy (P-ACD-134).
Students can exit with a Post Graduate Diploma* after completing 120 credits and prior to attempting the dissertation.
This module explains theories of public policy with a focus on social policies and current reform challenges in that. The overall aim of the module is to help the students understand the interplay between socio-economic context, social policy actors and institutions in a global, regional (MENA) and local (UAE) setting. The module highlights how social policies are analyzed and developed through this interplay. The role of global governance in shaping social policy reform processes is investigated in order to underscore the interplay dynamics. This module also introduces students to contemporary political economy of the MENA region - this includes the role of government, civil society, and private sector as well as the legacy of Islamic institutions and the oil economics. After this, it covers key social (and economic) policy sectors including health, education, public welfare, demography, labor markets & unemployment, elderly care, gender, and youth development.
Education is a significant area of public policy, the main aim of this module is to provide students with a holistic understanding of core debates in the area of education policy and a practical knowledge of how education policy is shaped. This module will use a comparative perspective to introduce students to education challenges in the MENA region, especially as they relate to educational access and equality of educational opportunities. It will then provide students with an overview of the process of education policy formation, analysis, and evaluation while paying special attention to the role of research in the policy making process. Finally, selected cases and research on education challenges and reforms in the MENA will be utilized to put into practice the knowledge and policy analysis skills gained earlier in the module.
This module focuses on policy issues concerning the organization, funding and performance of research systems. These issues are at the heart of science and technology policy. They are also highly topical and international in scope. The module will encourage a greater depth of analysis and independent study by students of current theories, policies and practices in key areas of research policy. Investment in new production facilities is one of the main ways industry applies new technology. The economic, social and environmental consequences of industrial expansion depend heavily on how firms manage the technological aspects of investment projects. The concepts of Cyber security and Energy security are additionally developed within the module. Topics to be covered include: changing rationales for the public funding of research; the US research system; the European research system; the Chinese research system; systems of research assessment; science and research indicators & metrics; foresight methods and tools; science diplomacy; responsible research and innovation; and the governance of emerging technologies.
If you wish to submit a formal Application Form for Admission to the Master of Public Policy (MPP), please click on either the Full-Time or Part Time Online Admission link.