• Explain models, theories, methods and policy areas/levels in the study of public policy.
• Compare similarities and differences of models, theories, methods and policy areas/levels in the study of public policy.
• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of models, theories and methods in the study of public policy.
• Justify and apply the use of models, theories, methods in analyzing one or more policy areas.
• Evaluate the application of models, theories, methods in analyzing one or more policy areas.
• Undertake a structured and coherent empirical study of a policy problem, its background, possible solution(s) and a recommendation for how to solve it based upon relevant data and evidence.

Public policies have a substantial impact on almost all aspects of human life. Whether you are a university student or a business owner, you are the subject of public policies that regulate the way you ought to behave. Understanding how these policies are made and applied is, therefore, of key importance. This course gives you an in-depth theoretical and hands-on understanding of policy processes that can be used in your future career to analyse public policies and how they are going to influence the organisation you work for. The course provides research-based teaching about the institutions and actors that shape the output of policy processes across different contexts. Participants will acquire valuable skills in examining diverse policy processes and how to influence them.

The teaching is divided into three parts. The first part introduces participants to key models, theories, and methods in the study of public policy. The second part teaches the participants how to apply these to specific policy areas and levels. The third part focuses on specific themes in applied policy analysis.

In relation to Nordic Nine

According to the Nordic Nine, Applied Policy Analysis equips students with a number of transformative capabilities. In this course, students learn how to modify the regulatory environment in terms of policy areas affecting enterprises and citizens. (NN1). The course assists students in identifying social problems within different policy areas (NN3) and proposing remedies through the analysis of data in a policy brief while taking into account ambiguity (NN2). Students are given the opportunity to identify and address ethical dilemmas in their policy briefs by recommending solutions to societal challenges (NN5). This is accomplished by providing students with a toolbox of analytical instruments, including concepts, models, theories, and methods of policy analysis, as well as the capacity to reflect critically on their relevance (NN6). This implies that students should be able to safeguard and build prosperity for future generations (NN7).