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PP5005 Policy-in-Practice

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Limited to Master of Public Policy Students

Planned timetable

Fri 9am - 12 noon

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof D A Jaeger

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof David Jaeger

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module is a preparatory professional training course that equips students with the skills, norms, and workflows required to succeed in the subsequent Policy-in-Practice Project. Students will learn how to do professional policy work: client communication, project scoping, group workflows, and structured reflection on what works and what does not. It emphasizes collective responsibility, individual integrity, and professional accountability.

Assessment pattern

Coursework= 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 hour seminar (x 10) plus 3 hour faculty consultation (x 1)

Intended learning outcomes

  • Design and justify a proposal in response to a client brief that demonstrates strategic judgement about methods, data, risks, and institutional constraints.
  • Work collaboratively in professional teams by managing roles, responsibilities, and group dynamics under conditions of uncertainty and accountability.
  • Communicate policy ideas effectively to non-technical audiences through clear oral presentations and professional written documents.
  • Translate policy problems into feasible professional projects by scoping ambiguous client briefs, setting appropriate boundaries, and identifying realistic objectives.
  • Reflect critically on professional policy practice by evaluating their own decision-making, ethical responsibilities, and learning from experience.