This innovative programme offers students the opportunity to examine processes of governance and policy-making at a variety of levels, from global to local, and utilise ideas about governance to better understand contemporary policy processes in a range of settings. Students can explore these issues in a cross-disciplinary way, making use of insights from politics, international relations, social policy, sociology, demography, gerontology and social statistics. This programme is specifically structured to enable students to shape their degree around their own particular interests in the fields of governance and policy more broadly, and will appeal to those not only from a social science background, but also to those with relevant work experience in the public, private and third sectors and beyond who wish to expand their skills and knowledge portfolio. This programme is designed both to equip students to undertake independent research across the social sciences, with specific reference to the fields of governance and policy, and to develop skills that are of relevance to a broad range of careers in the public and private sector. The aims of the programme are to provide you with: Knowledge and understanding of contemporary theoretical, conceptual and empirical debates in the study of governance and policy. 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. You will also achieve PGDip award in this course. You will also study this course in part time mode.