Public Service Commissioning – (M.Sc.)

Contents

MSc participants study four core modules, plus one sector-specific module from outside the participant’s own area of practice, plus any one other option module and a dissertation. Diploma participants follow the same module choices as their MSc colleagues (as above) but are exempt from the dissertation element. Certificate participants study at least two of the core modules (including Strategic Commissioning) plus one further module of their choice.

Core modules
The core modules are:

* Strategic Commissioning (20 credits)*
* Public Services Procurement and Contracting (20 credits)
* Law, Regulation and Finance of Commissioning (20 credits)
* Public Policy Research Methods (20 credits)
* Choice of optional modules – choose from a wide range of modules plus others from across the School of Government and Society
* Dissertation (60 credits, MSc only) – you focus in depth on a topic of particular interest, with support from a dissertation supervisor

*Compulsory module for Certificate participants

Learning, teaching and assessment
Our approach to teaching and learning is participant-centred in two ways. First, the programme explores and makes links between the ideas, models and skills for public service and participants' own work experiences and organisational contexts. As a result, participants' contributions, in the form of discussion and exploration of case studies, are particularly important, and assist in the creation of an educational environment in which a significant component of the learning derives through interactions between programme participants.

Second, we recognise that different individuals learn best in different ways. Some will prefer lecture inputs for the frameworks, theoretical perspectives and challenge to thinking that these can provide. Others will tend to favour the more practical sessions and/or the time spent in syndicates with colleagues exchanging experiences and perspectives on issues under consideration or in addressing specific tasks, case studies and problem-solving.

Typically modules are assessed through a variety of essay-type and project-based assignments. From the outset, we provide participants with clear guidance on assessment work and individualised tutorial support is available throughout the programme to help each participant make the most of their studies with us. Participants studying at Masters level will be expected to write a dissertation – this may be linked to activities at their workplace.