This innovative programme offers students the opportunity to examine processes of governance and policy-making at a variety of levels, from global to local, utilise ideas about governance to better understand contemporary policy processes in a range of settings, while also gaining rigorous research methods training. Students can explore these issues of governance and policy in a cross-disciplinary way, making use of insights from politics, international relations, social policy, sociology, demography, gerontology and social statistics. Each module involves one or two sessions each week spread over the semester. For each module, students are expected to write one or more essays (or equivalent), make presentations or contribute to seminar discussions. Some modules are assessed by essays, others by exams, and some by a mix of these methods. Exams are held at the end of each semester. This rigorous programme of study, and the specific research skills it seeks to develop, means that graduates are well placed for careers not just across a broad range of local, national and international political and policy organizations, but also in areas where independent research skills are at a premium. It is also ideal for those aiming for PhD research in this field. This programme is accredited by the ESRC. You will also study this course in part time mode.