Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Studies
Is this programme for me?
Formulated for people working in policy-making and advisory capacities, the Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Studies provides an overview of the variety of approaches to public policy and management, from a historical and comparative perspective. The courses move through techniques of policy analysis and implementation to discussion of particular policy issues. The course materials cover a range of policy issues and a variety of socio-economic contexts, levels of government and regime types.
Programme aims
This programme enables you to contribute to the policy process in government, non-governmental organisations and consultancy practice, and have a depth of knowledge in a range of policy areas.
Programme summary
| You study | Study period | Cost (2010-2011) | |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 4 courses | 1-5 years | £4,640 |
| Individual Professional Courses | You can take up to three individual courses from this distance learning programme. Each course lasts eight weeks and you are registered for two years. The fee per course is £1,160. | ||
Prestige
The programme has been developed by academics at the Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CeFiMS), a postgraduate research and teaching department within SOAS, University of London. Staff at CeFiMS have international reputations and are involved in researching their subjects at the very limits of current knowledge.
Career progression
Graduates of this programme will be well prepared for high positions in government, public services, international organisations and NGOs.
Comprehensive study materials and support
You will be sent all the study materials that you need to complete the programme, which may typically include:
- A core text specially written for the course. This is the backbone of the course and is comparable to a series of lecures. It is organised into eight study units, each of which lasts one week.
- Textbooks and collections of readings.
- Online and multimedia tools. Some courses provide video lectures on DVD. These expand on issues that have been raised in the course and relate the material to 'real world' examples. The Online Study Centre (OSC) provides instant access to course materials and also offers academic, administrative and technical support.
- A study calendar for each course to help you organize your time. This sets out a schedule for coursework and assignment deadlines.
- A Welcome Pack is available online, which provides you with resources and tips on effective distance learning. We will also send you a Study Skills textbook to help you manage your studies.
Your time commitment
This will depend partly on choices you make, but most students take two years to finish the Postgraduate Diploma. The study calendar consists of five sessions per year. Each session is devoted to a specific course and lasts eight weeks (with the exception of the first session which runs for 10 weeks). During each session you will need to allocate between 15-20 hours per week to complete the programme.
Summary of key dates
| Application deadline | 6 September 2010 | 22 November 2010 | 1 April 2011 |
| Programme starts | November 2010 | January 2011 | June 2011 |
| Examinations | October |
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