Foundation Studies
6 Credits (ECTS)
Foundation Studies
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€315 refund on this module
Module Description
This module serves as an introduction to foundational studies, aiming to provide students with essential knowledge and skills in public management and governance.
It explains the rationale behind the existence of effective public management and governance structures. Students will be introduced to the mechanics, impacts, and importance of having a collaborative strategy and appropriate performance management tools to manage and govern public services effectively.
Additionally, the module covers aspects of academic writing skills, equipping students with the tools necessary to succeed both academically and professionally.
This comprehensive foundation ensures students are well-prepared for advanced studies and professional challenges.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess the following:
- a qualification at MQF Level 4 (one A-level or equivalent in any subject);
AND
- a pass in English Language and Mathematics at MQF Level 3 (O-level or equivalent).
Preference will be given to prospective applicants having a year of work experience related to the study programme.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at:
- Professionals within the public sector aspiring for professional and academic advancement in public management and governance;
- Mid-career break professionals looking for opportunities to return to or change their career;
- Other individuals who would find this programme suitable for their academic and professional path.
Module / Unit Instructions
The proposed structure comprises a blended approach promoting the building of a community of practice via peer-to-peer learning. The structure uses primarily two dimensions of teaching-learning modes:
- Face to Face sessions
Face-to-face sessions include lectures, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities promoting peer-to-peer learning.
- Online Learning Activities
Online learning activities incorporate tutorials and asynchronous discussions. These may consist of active interaction, participation and contributions in fora discussions, sharing resources and self-reflection exercises. Learners also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Modular Assessment
- Summative Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Module Intake Dates
October 2024
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Examine and assess the nature of public management and governance with a particular focus on Europe and the Mediterranean basin.
- Develop understanding of micro-and macroeconomic theories and their implications and applications for public management and governance Asses.
- s the impact of challenges related to public management and governance on institutional frameworks.
- Identify and propose solutions to complex public management and governance issues.
- Review challenges and opportunities related to building and sustaining collaborative strategy and its impacts on public management and policy making.
- Interpret the Principal Agent Theory, performance and the economics of bureaucracy.
- Adapt writing processes and strategies for audience, purpose, and type of tasks.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Foundation for Public Management and Governance.
- Public Management and Governance Challenges.
- Collaborative Strategy Management.
- Performance of Public Management and Governance.
- Writing Processes and Strategies.
- Referencing Academic Texts and Avoiding Plagiarism.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Identify the role of state in provision and commissioning of public services and explain the economic and social basis behind existence of public services.
- Examine challenges related to public management and governance.
- Identify how different theoretical perspectives on democracy and citizenship relate to management and governance of public services.
- Evaluate emerging issues and gaps and weaknesses related to collaborative strategic management.
- Analyse and apply key performance indicators as applicable to public management and governance.
- Use credible and diverse evidence and incorporate sources from others appropriately using advised referencing style.
Judgment Skills and Critical Abilities:
The learner will be able to:
- Present logical and coherent arguments and evidence to support the claims.
Module-Specific Communication Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Write clearly and analytically about public management and governance topics applying academic writing skills acquired in this module.
- Cite and reference the works of others appropriately.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to benefit from assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.
- Use electronic environments to draft, revise, edit, reference and share or publish texts.