MComm (Government & Public Policy)

The MComm (Government and Public Policy) is a postgraduate research degree taken over two years on a part-time basis. The core of the programme is the drafting of a 12-15,000 word thesis. This is supported by a series of one-day campus seminars at UCC, e-learning facilities and detailed supervision of the researching and writing of the thesis. The programme is designed for experienced practitioners in full-time employment in the public sector or related areas.

The MComm (Government and Public Policy) allows students to specialise in public policy, public administration, public management and related areas of governance and politics. The intention is to give students a strong grounding in the theory and methodology of undertaking policy analysis and to contribute to the education of a new generation of public policy-makers, policy analysts and mature students. This involves familiarizing students with the necessary concepts, theories, methods and principles involved in the formulation and analysis of public policy in Ireland and in the wider context of European integration and globalisation. Through the research thesis students have the opportunity to focus on one issue within the field of political science/public policy and to produce a significant piece of work in their field. The MComm thesis provides students with concrete research experience, preparing them for both further academic research and research-based career progression.

Candidates will normally have a Bachelors degree or other professional qualifications acceptable to the Faculty of Commerce. They will also normally have a minimum of three years professional/business/administrative experience subsequent to graduating or receiving a professional qualification.

Students can apply on at www.pac.ie.  The next intake of students will be in October 2011.  The closing date for applications will be 29 July, 2011.  Further information on the application process can be found here.

For an informal discussion on the programme, please contact Dr Mary C. Murphy, Programme Director. E-mail: maryc.murphy@ucc.ie.  Please visit the Department of Government website www.ucc.ie/en/government