Policy design has many different aspects that impact people and society. The world needs individuals like you who can connect facts and values, offering solutions to both common and complex problems. These skills are now more crucial than ever and form the core of our curriculum. By merging ethics, science, and policy, you study policy making and analyse arguments for and against proposals, strengthening the case for change.
Core Skills Development
Evaluating and developing policies involves absorbing scientific findings for decision making, applying theoretical insights to practical situations, and understanding the consequences for those affected by policy implementation. The courses are structured to prioritise your development of essential skills in:
- summarising, critically examining and evaluating current research literature in areas relevant to policy development.
- describing and analysing philosophical concepts, theories, and problems relevant to the evaluation and use of research literature.
- presenting research findings to a broad audience.
- developing theoretically informed reasoning in specific problem areas related to philosophical issues in policy work.
- formulating theory-based policy recommendations and assessments of a normative question in a particular policy area based on new research.
Diverse Policy Challenges
This combination of scientific theory and normative analysis extends to many different issues such as education, healthcare, risk management, the environment, finance, and many others. For example, we examine how to measure school results from a scientific perspective and delve into ethical questions from the philosophy of education and childhood. Another example is, we discuss designing healthcare policies when resources are scarce, which involves balancing values and the latest medical research. We will also deal with questions like what taxes are just, how should research on humans be regulated, and can restrictions on migration be justified? Each course delves into new policy issues and theories in ethics and the philosophy of science.
Who are you?
The programme is for those who have a bachelor’s degree and want to either develop or influence policy. If you join us with a specialisation in social or natural sciences, the programme provides the tools and knowledge to become a generalist regarding policy. If you have a background in ethics or philosophy, it provides you with an opportunity to put theory into practice. This diversity also means that you get to share in and challenge previously held ideas, perspectives, and experiences. You will also collaborate beyond the classroom, connecting with potential employers and researchers from various fields.
