MSc in Public Policy
SPOLM0074
Researching Public Policy
Assignment: Research Proposal
Summative assessment: 100%
Maximum length of assignment: 3,000 words
Submission Date: 12th December (by noon)
Formulate a research proposal which aims to address a specific and relevant public policy problem of interest to you. The research project proposed should be deliverable by a sole researcher within six months. Your proposal should be clear, well-justified and achievable within the time-frame. given. More guidance will be provided during the unit delivery.
The proposal should contain the following sections:
• Presentation of the policy problem and its relevance: using the literature provide a summary of the policy problem and indicate why the study of this problem is important for public policy.
• Brief review of the main academic literature and research question (s): present a critical evaluation of the literature related to the problem under study. Identify main themes and gaps in the literature and based on these gaps propose a specific and measurable research question(s).
• Research design and methods: Identify and justify the main research design and methods that can help answer your research questions. Highlight any limitations of the methods chosen.
• Research ethics: discuss ethical implications of the research proposal presented.
• Bibliography
To prepare for the summative assessment you will be supported by a formative element consisting of in class group presentations whereby you will be required to critically evaluate a given research proposal. Oral feedback will be provided in class following your presentations.
We encourage students to use this summative assessment as a first step towards the MPP dissertation and to initiate discussions with the allocated supervisor. However, changes in topic or methods are admitted after submission.
Formal requirements
• 3.000 word maximum (excluding figures, tables and bibliography).
• Use Harvard referencing style.
• Marks and feedback for summative assessment are returned within 15 working days of the submission deadline (excluding public holidays)
• For marking criteria, late submission and word count penalty regulations, please refer to the PGT Student Hub