MA/MS in Public policy analysis

Objective(s) of a study programme: Objective(s) of a study programme: To provide students with the knowledge and skills to analyse, compare and asses the public policy conducted by Lithuanian and foreign governments. To develop analytical skills necessary for critical reflection and development of concepts, ideas, methods of political science in order to explain and evaluate processes in contemporary political systems. To develop skills necessary to apply the methods of political analysis, to provide sound, professional recommendations and to be able to understand ethical, cultural, and social implications of these solutions. Learning outcomes: 1. Knowledge and ability to independently analyse the socio-political processes in the society and the state; 2. Knowledge, understanding and ability to use and reflect on mainstream public policy and administration theories, models, and approaches. 3. Knowledge, understanding and ability to apply methods of social sciences and political analysis in research projects and papers. 4. Skills to analyse, implement research projects by using theories of public policy and administration and ability to evaluate the content of public policies, and establish a causal relationship between variables. 5. Knowledge, understanding and ability to asses various public policy processes and their content in Lithuania and other members of the European Union. 6. Ability and skills to provide public policy analysis assessments, to evaluate the effectiveness, the efficiency and the impact of suggested solutions by using the methods of public policy analysis. 7. Skills to write and analyse academic articles, political analysis reports, and to present results or recommendations for specific audiences (academic, practitioners). 8. Skills to organise, asses and manage projects or programs in the public sector. 9. Skills and ability to think critically, to solve academic and practical problems and provide solutions, recommendations in an innovative, creative way. 10. Awareness, knowledge of ethical, cultural, social, economic implications of their works and activities. Activities of teaching and learning: The lecturer’s ability to choose freely the most appropriate study methods for his course is respected. There are no mandatory requirements regarding the form of holding a class (lecture or seminar). However, the general tendency is that the MA programme is student-orientated; students are expected to be actively engaged during the lecture by analyzing practical problems and contemplating the solutions, working in groups, doing practical exercises, analyzing audio-visual material and discussing. In addition, students are working individually outside of the classroom by analyzing assigned literature, preparing research papers and working on their MA theses. Moreover, students oh this programme are involved in research projects of their supervisors/lecturers. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Written examination, case studies, essay, presentations, projects, active and quality participation during the seminars, research papers and their presentation (oral or written form), preparing and presenting a simulation, preparation of a research project. Study subjects (modules), practical training: The duration of Public Policy Analysis master programme is 2 years, volume – 120 credits. It is comprised of: 1) theoretical courses of public policy and public administration („Comparative Public Administration“, „Public Policy and Political Analysis“, „Welfare State“) and of empirical studies; 2) courses of social science methods and political analysis („Public Sector Economics“). Also students are able to participate in different projects and be a part of international researches among with lecturers from the Institute. Optional courses: Endeavoring the possibility to provide an ability to choose specific courses, which better represents personal career interest, students from the International Relations and Diplomacy Studies programme will be able to choose from these electives: Conflict Analysis and Peace Studies; Political Psychology; Programme and Project Management in the Public Sector Organizations; Russia and the EU: Changes in the Global Politics; Problems of the State and Society in the European Intellectual Tradition; Nordic and Baltic States Studies; Energy Security; Islam in Europe; Game Theories; Body Politics. Distinctive features of a study programme: This MA programme aims to develop specific skills and knowledge necessary for academic and expert research in the fields of public policy, public analysis and public governance. Access to professional activity: Graduates will be able to work as an experts and/or analysts, capable to elaborate proposals and recommendations based on theoretical analysis, empirical evidence and existing good practices, for decision-makers (public or private sector organizations operating at national, the EU and international levels). Access to further study: Graduate of this MA programme may pursue PhD studies in the field of social sciences in Lithuanian and foreign universities.