The
Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Studies will introduce you to
a range of theories and approaches to public policy, plus
the ability to analyse policy problems and create processes
to arrive at policy solutions.
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 |
|
Postgraduate
Diploma |
4 courses
|
1-5 years |
£4,320 |
|
Individual
Professional Courses |
IPCs offer people
in the financial and management sector an
effective form of flexible professional
education. It is also an ideal option if you're
keen to sample the programme. The fee per course
is £1,080. |
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
Student Handbook explaining the nature of distance
learning and the specific character of the programme. The University also send you a Study Skills textbook and an audio CD
that offers tips on effective distance learning.
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 fifth 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 |
17 November 2008
for a January 2009 start |
31 March 2009 for
a June 2009 start |
|
Enrolment deadline |
19 December 2008
for a January 2009 start |
4 May 2009 for a
June 2009 start |
|
Programme starts |
January 2009 |
June 2009 |
|
Examinations |
October |
