Data & Methods for Policy Analysis

Key topics covered in the module include:

- The availability and accessibility of key data sources for national, international, and comparative policy analysis.

- The principal methods used to gather qualitative and quantitative data for policy analysis.

- How to formulate a policy research question and write a policy report.

- How to critically evaluate a policy report.

Stage 1 - Core

Data & Methods for Policy Analysis SPOL41020

Entry requirements will be identical to those obtaining for the current Public Policy programme intake (fulltime and part- time):



The academic minimum standard for admission to a Masters programme is an Upper Second Class degree or its equivalent. Relevant professional experience and motivation will be considered where the first degree was taken in a field with little or no relevance to the social sciences, or where the first degree was taken a long time ago (eg more than ten years prior to application).



Relevant professional experience and motivation may also be taken into account in the case of students who have not attained the minimum academic standards: in this case, they may be offered a place on the Graduate Diploma programme, with the possibility of transferring to the MP, subject to academic performance and grades attained.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

4 months part-time.

Commencing September 2025