Master of Public Policy (MPP)- Education

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) suite of programs are designed to provide education which complies with  international norms, for professionals to develop further as leaders in a variety of roles, including public policy analysis and planning, public management and services, research institutes, government orientated positions within the private sector and the third sector organizations.  The MPP’s scope includes providing students with the theoretical and practical knowledge to develop and apply the analytical tools necessary for high quality policy analysis and strategic development.  This includes aspects of design, advocacy and evaluation of public policies and strategies.  It will contribute to growth in program management capabilities within a dynamic economic and global context.

The MPP Programme is also aligned to the seven key strategic objectives of the UAE National Innovation Strategy (NIS), which are:

1. Renewable Energy
2. Transportation
3. Education
4. Health
5. Technology
6. Water
7. Space

Please click here to download program brochure 
 

Program Mission

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) suite of programs provides an opportunity for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, intellectual and practical skills, aspects of competence and other attributes in the area of Public Policy. In the current context of the rapidly-evolving global socio-economic reality and technological spread, the policy making and delivery function of the State have now become more challenging than at any time in the past. Students who study the MPP at MBRSG can become specialized policymakers and policy analysts as well as the public governance leaders who facilitate creativity, skill and commitment in managing innovative and smart public policies, 

MBRSG offers six (6) Master of Public Policy Programs. There is a Master of Public Policy program and there are five Master of Public Policy programs each with a specialisation. 

The Master of Public Policy programs of offer are listed as follows:

• Master of Public Policy,
• Master of Public Policy (Social Policy),  
• Master of Public Policy (Education),  
• Master of Public Policy (Health),  
• Master of Public Policy (Sustainable Development) and  
• Master of Public Policy (Science and Technology).  

 

Master of Public Policy (MPP)-Education 

As a student in the MPP with Education specialization, you will explore a practice-focused curriculum grounded in social science research, and come to understand the broader social, economic, political, and historical context of contemporary education and education policy. You will participate both in the analysis of education policy and in broader political debates about the aims and structure of educational systems in the MENA region and how the compare with global education systems.
 

Learning Outcomes

Students completing the MPP- Education program will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast current governance and public policy theories and perspectives to the analysis of the relationship between structure of governance and policy performance and the development of innovative public governance systems and policy processes to face the future challenges in public service delivery.
2. Evaluate how various principles, tools and methods influence the effectiveness of public policy development, implementation and evaluation.
3. Measure the values of governance not only in terms of better performance, accountability and transparency but also how they engage citizens, markets and the third sector in participatory policymaking and policy change.
4. Analyze public policies in key sectors such as economic, social, education, health and sustainable environment using appropriate research principles and methods.
5. Appraise the impact of global political and economic institutions, knowledge sharing and current trends on governance and public policy.
6. Utilize effective leadership and teamwork skills to solve complex/ advanced public organizational problems and communicate policy decisions.

Admission requirements

1. Completion of a recognized recognized undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree in a discipline appropriate for the MPP or one of the specialisms.
2. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale, or its established equivalent, in the applicant’s undergraduate or baccalaureate degree program.
3. As the MPP is taught in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the Paper-Based, 213 on the Computer-Based, or 79 on the Internet-Based test, or its equivalent in a standardized English language test, such as 6.0 IELTS or another standardized, internationally recognized test approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with the following exceptions:
   1. a native speaker of English who has completed his/her undergraduate education in an English-medium institution and in a country where English is the official language;
   2. an applicant with an undergraduate qualification from an English-medium institution who can provide evidence of acquiring a minimum TOEFL score of 500 on the Paper-Based test, or its equivalent on another standardized test approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, at the time of admission to his/her undergraduate program. 
4. An applicant who meets the above requirements should have minimum of three years of relevant work experience, except for applicants who have a CGPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale, and who are already working in the public sector or a nonprofit organization, who may be accepted with a minimum relevant work experience of eighteen months.

Proficiency Requirements

Prior to enrolling in a Master of Public Policy (MPP)- Education program students must demonstrate proficiency in basic statistics and research methods. These requirements can be met by passing an undergraduate university level subject in statistics and/or research methods. Students who have not demonstrated previous proficiency in basic statistics and research methods will be required to take the Foundation Course for Research Methods in Public Policy during their first semester of academic study. Furthermore, these students will be limited to enrolling and studying one Core Module, in addition to the Foundation Course for Research Methods in Public Policy, in their first academic semester as part of their Master of Public Policy (MPP) program of study.

Preparatory Course: Returning to Learning

The aim of the MBRSG induction activities is to introduce students to the range of services that are available to postgraduate students, as well as to provide them with essential information about registration and enrollment. It is also an opportunity for students to get acquainted with each other. During these sessions, faculty members will guide you through essential knowledge and skills to enhance your progression through the programs.

We propose that induction will answer many of the questions that students may have about what being a postgraduate student at MBRSG. The Induction course will be delivered over two weekends prior to the commencement of the first semester of study. All new postgraduate students are required to attend.

In support of students at the commencement of their graduate studies or at what may be a return to an academic environment after a period away from higher education, MBRSG requires that all new students admitted to a graduate program attend an Induction Course entitled ‘Returning to Learning”. The Induction course will be delivered over two weekends prior to the commencement of the first semester of study and all new postgraduate students are required to attend. The Returning to Learning Course includes activities to introduce students to the range of services that are available to postgraduate students, as well as to provide them with essential information about registration and enrollment. It is also an opportunity for students to get acquainted with each other. During these sessions, faculty members will guide you through essential knowledge and skills to enhance your progression through the programs. We propose that the Returning to Learning Course will answer many of the questions that students may have about what being a postgraduate student at MBRSG.

Careers and Employability

Our Master of Public Policy(MPP) - Education graduates will find themselves working in a range of public and private sector organizations. The MPP degree will equip graduates to operate effectively in an environment where public policy options have multiplied and where the boundaries between public and private entities have become increasingly blurred. Graduates can also be promoted into senior policy making and decision making roles with the public or private sector, because they now have a breath of applied knowledge related to the field of public policy. Graduates with the various specializations are further equipped to take up senior decision making, consultancy or advisory positions in their areas of specialization. 
 

Program Structure

 

Semester	Full Time		Part Time
1	MPP 701	20 credits	MPP 701	20 credits
	MPP 702	20 credits	MPP 702	20 credits
	MPP 703	20 credits
2	MPP 704	20 credits	MPP 703	20 credits
	MPP 713	20 credits	MPP 704	20 credits
	MPP 714	20 credits
3	Dissertation	60 credits	MPP 713	20 credits
			MPP 714	20 credits
4			Dissertation	60 credits
Total		180 credits		180 credits

 

Module Code		Module Title	Credits
Core Modules
MPP 701		Governance & Policy Process	20
MPP 702		Public Policy Analysis	20
MPP 703		Public Economics & Finance	20
MPP 704		Microeconomics of Competitiveness	20
Concentration Modules:Students are required to take two modules from their selected concentration
Concentration: MPP with Education
MPP 713	Education Policy and Development		20
MPP 714	Comparative Higher Education		20
Dissertation
MPP 901	Dissertation		60
Total Credits			180

 

Program Requirements

To be awarded a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree requires the successful completion of six (6) Modules and a Dissertation totaling 180 (CATS) credits with an overall average grade of 60% (Merit) or above, in accordance with the Graduate Completion Policy (P-ACD-134).
 

Delivery Mode

Students for the MPP can enroll as part-time students over 2 years or full-time students over 18 months.  The primary mode of delivery is weekly small group interactive lectures offered in the afternoon and early evening.  Each 20 credit module will comprise a minimum of 30 hours of direct contact.  Students are also required to complete a further 170 hours of directed independent learning and self –access study
 
The program is further supported by e-learning resources for each subject on Blackboard and students are required to attend additional (non-credit) workshops focusing on the development of academic writing and research skills.  Students are also encouraged to attend seminars and guest lectures hosted by the MBRSG.

 

Students can exit with a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy (Education)* after completing 120 credits and prior to attempting the dissertation.

* subject to meeting the average overall grade requirements

Module Description

Core Modules:

MPP701: Governance and Policy Process (Core) (20 CATS Credits)

This module facilitates the students’ understanding of the theories of governance and public policy process as a critical step to analyze policies in the current context of globalization and governance. The aim of the module is to offer students the knowledge of key issues and processes in public policy to enable them to appreciate how globalization, technology, innovation, and other emerging challenges impact the various phases of policymaking as well as policy implementation and evaluation. Through local and international case studies, the module also provides a comparative perspective of different public policy paradigms in the contemporary world with a special reference to the UAE and MENA region. This module also explores the institutions and processes in public policy making, implementation and evaluation and how leadership plays a catalyst role in policy change and policy adaption. Finally, it examines how future governments will adopt smart policies to shape the social, economic and environmental growth and sustainability in the UAE and Arab region.
 

MPP702: Research Methods for Public Policy Analysis (Core) (20 CATS Credits)

This module is designed to give students an understanding of the qualitative and quantitative research methods needed for public policy analysis. Module topics include research design (this includes defining research problems, formulating research questions and reviewing literature), research strategy; methods and data collection tools. Students will be introduced with a wide range of qualitative tools such as case studies, grounded theory and action research as well as quantitative tools moving from descriptive statistics to regression analysis. The module will enhance students’ skill in evaluating published research and learn how to use different research methods in their own research and studies in order to grasp and analyze issues related to public administration and public policy; including the evaluation of policy alternatives. They will learn to formulate research questions, design surveys, systematically conduct research and operationalize variables.
 

MPP703: Public Economic and Finance (Core) (20 CATS Credits)

This module examines the economic foundations of policy analysis and fiscal administration by introducing basic microeconomic principles and tools required to understand the role of government in the economy. It explores the rationale for government intervention, the goals of intervention (achieving allocative efficiency, redistribution and stabilization), and the prospect of government failure in making such interventions succeed. More specifically, the module provides an overview of the assumptions of perfect competition and considers a variety of situations in which the ideal of a perfect market breaks down, including the cases of public goods, externalities, market power, natural monopolies and asymmetric information. It uses actual policy problems to demonstrate applications of the theoretical framework to areas of education, health, environment, social security and others. It also provides an overview of public sector budgeting and other methods for financial management, regulation and control drawing on contemporary public finance issues. It also provides an overview of regulatory economics and reviews the recent research on implications of behavioral economics for public policy making.
 

MPP704: Microeconomics of Competitiveness (Core) (20 CATS Credits)

The module is concerned with the determinants of competitiveness and economic development viewed from a bottom up, microeconomic perspective. While sound macroeconomic policies, stable legal and political systems, and the accumulation of factors of production affect the potential for competitiveness, wealth is created at the microeconomic level. The strategies of firms, the vitality of clusters, and quality of the business environment in which competition takes place are what ultimately determines a nation’s or region’s productivity and wealth. The content covers both developing and advanced economies. The focus is on emerging, transition and advanced countries where microeconomic agendas are critical to sustained success. Furthermore, the module addresses competitiveness at the level of nations, states or cities within nations, clusters, and groups of neighboring countries. A major theme of the module is that competitiveness and economic development is affected by policies at all these levels. The module is also concerned with government policy but also with the roles of business, universities, and other institutions in competitiveness. In modern international competition, the roles of the constituencies have shifted and expanded, and the traditional separation between them works against successful economic development. Also, the ability to mount and sustain a competitiveness strategy for a nation or region is a daunting challenge. The module explores not only theory and policy, but also the nature of the organizational structure and institutions for sustained improvements in competitiveness. In addition to both macro and micro policy choices, the module underlines the role of history, i.e. the legacy of nations (such as language, culture and general institutions), and geography, i.e. the regional circumstances (such as the level of development among neighboring nations and the intensity in regional interaction).

Concentration Modules:

MPP713: Education Policy and Development (MPP with Education specialization) (20 CATS Credits)

Education is a significant area of public policy, the main aim of this module is to provide students with a holistic understanding of core debates in the area of education policy and a practical knowledge of how education policy is shaped. This module will use a comparative perspective to introduce students to education challenges in the MENA region, especially as they relate to educational access and equality of educational opportunities. It will then provide students with an overview of the process of education policy formation, analysis, and evaluation while paying special attention to the role of research in the policy making process. Finally, selected cases and research on education challenges and reforms in the MENA will be utilized to put into practice the knowledge and policy analysis skills gained earlier in the module.

 

MPP714: Comparative Higher Education (MPP with Education specialization) (20 CATS Credits)

This module will provide students with a broad knowledge of the major factors that shape global higher education policy and practice. It will utilize a comparative perspective to explore the global trends and challenges facing higher education providers and evaluate policy responses to these challenges. The primary focus will be on policy responses to higher education challenges in the UAE drawing on global best practice. Specifically, the module will examine issues such as the globalization of higher education, privatization of universities, branch campuses, higher education quality and access, global competition, ranking systems and the knowledge economy.

Dissertation:

MPP901: Dissertation (60 CATS Credits)

The Dissertation in Public Policy is designed to enable MBRSG Master’s candidates to integrate, apply and extend the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their program. The subject matter for the dissertation should also be based upon skills and concepts acquired during the taught part of the program. However, in order to satisfy the requirements for a Masters level dissertation, it will be necessary for the candidate to develop, enhance and apply these concepts through demonstration of independent research skills beyond the level achieved in prior coursework. To this end, candidates will conduct substantive original research on a strategic management, innovation management or service innovation issue of importance to the region. The outcome will be the development and presentation of the research results and recommendations that can inform innovation management in the UAE and beyond.

Online Application for Graduate Admission to Master of Public Policy (MPP)- Education

Thank you for applying to the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government

MBRSG ensures that all applications are considered on academic merit in accordance with the admission criteria. MBRSG applies ethical practices in respect to all applications and no discriminatory practices are tolerated. 
Please read the following terms, conditions and instructions carefully and acknowledge your acceptance of them before completing the Online Application For Admission Form. 

1. Applications must be completed and submitted by the original applicant themselves.
2. Information is respect to All questions marked with an asterisk (*) must be provided. Incomplete applications will not be assessed for admission to an MBRSG graduate program of study.
3. First-time users of the MBRSG Student Management System will need to register to create an account. You must choose a login username and password between 6 and 9 alphanumeric characters. ** This process will commence when you formally apply by pressing on one of the Application (Full-Time or Part Time) buttons below.
4. You may complete your application in more than one attempt. You may save your application and complete it at a later time.
5. Applicants can complete their online application procedure at anytime. To be eligible for Admission to the next (upcoming) semester, students must have submitted their online application for Admission by the established deadline (i.e. Fall Semester 2017 – Admission deadline is Thursday 17th August 2017).
6. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Seats in our postgraduate programs are often capped at 30 students per semester. In case seats are not available in the semester you selected, MBRSG may consider your application for the following semester.
7. Please note the following requirements to complete the online application for graduate admission. You will be required to provide (upload) a soft-copy of these documents as part of the application process. All documents to be uploaded  must be in PDF (for single or multiple pages) or JPEG format (for single pages):
   1. Official Attested University/College Degree Certificate (Testamur) and attested official transcript(s) showing grading scale.
   2. Applicant’s  passport copy with two passport sized photographs.
   3. Applicant’s UAE Family Book copy (if applicable)
   4. Applicant’s Emirates ID Copy (if applicable)
   5. If available when applying, an Official TOEFL or Academic IELTS score certificate (English Requirement) or equivalent of another standardized test approved by the UAE Ministry of Education
   6. Current CV (Curriculum Vitae)
   7. A brief essay explaining your interest in the program (one-page explaining why interested and how beneficial to your career etc.)
   8. Two individual and recent Reference Letters from Referees supporting your Application for Admission.
   9. Your full name in both English and Arabic. (This is a regulatory requirement).
8. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview at MBRSG to help determine the decision in respect to an Offer of Admission to a graduate program of study at MBRSG.
9. An Offer of Admission made to an applicant will be valid only for the academic  semester for which the applicant applied.
10. Applicants who are employed full time will (normally) only be admitted on a part-time basis to a graduate program of study. Part-Time students will be limited to studying a maximum of two (2) Modules in an academic semester. Full-Time students will be able to study a maximum of three (3) Modules a semester (pending seats being available).
11. Applicants who are granted Conditional Admission to an MBRSG graduate program of study will be limited to studying one (1) Module in their first semester of graduate study pending satisfying the specific condition(s) of Admission detailed in the Offer of Admission letter.
12. Applicants who accept an Offer of Admission will be required to attend and complete the Return to Learning (Orientation Program) prior to the commencement of formal study for the semester.
13. Applicants who have not demonstrated proficiency in basic statistics and research methods in their prior tertiary studies (i.e. passing an undergraduate university level subject in statistics and/or research methods), may only be offered Conditional Entry to a graduate program of study. Such Applicants will be limited to enrolling in one(1) Module in their first semester and will also be required to take the “Foundation Course for Research Methods in Public Policy” during their first semester of academic study.  
14. Applicants who wish to defer their admission should contact the Manager of Admissions and Program Relations to complete and submit the Deferral Form prior to the commencement of the semester of study that an Offer of Admission was made for. Approval of a Deferral request will be considered and acceptance will depend on available seats.

For additional information or instructions, you should contact the Manager of Admissions and Program Relations for assistance at nawal.akram@mbrsg.ac.ae 
 

If you wish to submit a formal Application Form for Admission to the Master of Public Policy (MPP)-Education,   please click on either the Full-Time or Part Time Online Admission link.

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