Semester 1 and 2

Mandatory core courses:

• Economics for Public Decisions

• Public Policy Challenges in a Global Context

• Evidence and Evaluation for Public Policy

• Policy Design and Implementation Lab

• Political Economics of Public Policy

• Introduction to Comparative Politics in Europe  

• Strategic Public Management and Leadership

• Law, Ethics, and Governance

In the first year of the Master program in Public Policy, you are required to complete eight core courses designed to provide a comprehensive toolkit for public policy.

These core courses are built around four critical pillars that guide you through the entire lifecycle of a policy:

1. Policy Foundations

Before you can solve a problem, you must understand its roots. This pillar focuses on Policy Foundations, asking: What is the policy issue, and why does it matter? You will learn to identify systemic problems, set strategic agendas, and establish the ethical and economic rationale for why a government or organization should intervene in the first place.

2. Policy Design & Evidence

A good idea is only as strong as the data behind it. In Policy Design & Evidence, we ask: What policy solutions actually work, and how do we implement them? You will gain the tools to utilize data analytics and empirical evidence, allowing you to craft high-impact solutions and map out the complex logistics required to move from theory to reality.

3. Politics & Constraints

Policy does not exist in a vacuum. To be effective, you must understand the environment of Politics & Constraints, addressing: What institutional and political forces shape policy? This section of the curriculum prepares you to navigate the realities of interest groups, legislative hurdles, and the shifting socio-political landscapes that ultimately dictate what is feasible in the real world.

4. Management & Governance

The final step is ensuring that promises lead to results. Under Management & Governance, we explore: How do we manage delivery, evaluate success, and ensure accountability? You will develop the leadership skills needed to manage teams, oversee public service delivery, and use rigorous evaluation methods to measure impact and maintain public trust.