Policy and Governance Design

This module will take students on a critical, yet creative learning journey into the understanding and applying of principles and methodologies involved in designing effective policies and governance structures for sustainable and regenerative futures. Students will be undertaking analysis of existing policies, governance models, and the policy design process, learning to navigate issues related to public administration, regulatory policy, and compliance.

The module explores innovative governance approaches, ethics, and equity considerations, incorporating real-world case studies to apply theoretical and practical design knowledge. Students will be engaging in a process of policy evaluation, feedback loops, and a weaving of global perspectives, in preparation to address current and future issues related to global sustainable development. The multidisciplinary nature of the module will encourage students to explore holistic thinking practices of the interconnected elements shaping effective governance solutions through systems thinking which will be captured in a systemic design process.

Principal Aims

The module aims to encourage students to build a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts, skills, and methodologies crucial for the design of effective policies and governance structures. Students will be challenged to develop proficiency in policy analysis, explore various governance models, and master the stages of the policy design process. The module addresses the role of public administration, regulatory policy and compliance issues, and explores innovative governance approaches. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, social justice, social design and equity in policy design. Through practical applications, including case studies, exercises, and practice-led learning, students will be challenged to apply theoretical and practical knowledge to real-world scenarios concerning the three pillars of sustainability: economy, society and environment. The module also focuses on developing policy evaluation skills and provides a global perspective on policy and governance challenges, preparing students to tackle emerging trends and future complexities in the field. Overall, the module aims to equip participants with a well-rounded design skillset and design mindset for the navigating of multifaceted landscapes of policy and governance design.

Principal Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse existing policies, evaluate their impact on stakeholders, and propose informed recommendations for policy improvement.
• Develop competence in designing governance structures, consider diverse stakeholder input, and address ethical considerations in governance design.
• Demonstrate skills and understanding of policy implementation, and the planning for short and long-term monitoring, and evaluation of the effectiveness of policies.
• Demonstrate capabilities in interdisciplinary problem-solving.
• Demonstrate an understanding of global perspectives on policy and governance issues through diverse cultural and international contexts.
• Effectively communicate complex information and data for the purpose of multi-stakeholder engagement and policy design.

Syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The learning journey over the ten weeks will entail a comprehensive exploration of policy-making and governance structures. Starting with an understanding of fundamental concepts, policy analysis, governance models, and the intricacies of the policy design process. Each week will present students with scenarios for the critical analysis of public administration, regulatory policy, and compliance issues, encouraging a practical application of knowledge through a design process. In each stage emphasis will be placed on ethics, equity, and the evaluation of policy effectiveness over time. Throughout the module students will be challenged to develop a global perspective on policy challenges and emerging trends, fostering multi-disciplinary problem-solving skills.

Interdisciplinary

The module draws on context from both policy and governance structures and design disciplines.

International

Students will be engaging in a process of policy evaluation, feedback loops, and a weaving of global perspectives, undertaking analysis of existing policies, governance models, and the policy design process.

Subject specific skills

• Policy analysis
• Governance design
• Policy design process
• Public administration
• Multi-stakeholder engagement
• Multi-solving
• Innovative governance
• Ethical policy design
• Interdisciplinary problem-solving
• Systems thinking
• Systemic design
• Design thinking

Transferable skills

• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Communication skills
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Project management
• Research and data analysis
• Adaptability
• Ethical decision-making
• Time management
• Global awareness
• Strategic planning
• Design thinking
• Creative and visual communication

Indicative reading list

Design for Policy (Design for Social Responsibility) - Christian Bason

Putting People at the Heart of Policy Design: Using Human-Centred Design to Serve All - Jamie Munger

Routledge Handbook of Policy Design - Michael Howlett

Policy Design in the Age of Digital Adoption: Explore how PolicyOps can drive Policy as Code adoption in an organisation's digital transformation - Ricardo Ferreira

Policy Design for Large Social Systems: Toward a More Systematic Approach to Policy Analysis and Design - Walter McLure

Please note: Module availability and staffing may change year on year depending on availability and other operational factors. The School for Cross-faculty Studies makes no guarantee that any modules will be offered in a particular year, or that they will necessarily be taught by the staff listed on this page.