Political Science: Policy Processes - Actors, Causes and Consequences

This advanced-level course in Political Science examines how policy processes develop and the driving forces that shape their outcomes. It can be taken as a stand-alone course or as part of the Master’s programme in Political Science.

Teaching consists of lectures, seminars, and project work in the form of case studies. Together with fellow students, you will strengthen your ability to analyse policy processes and communicate effectively in academic settings. Active participation in group work is normally required. Assessment is based on an individual take-home exam, a jointly written research paper, and active participation in seminars. 

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

The course analyses how public policy is shaped through the interaction of three levels of analysis: norms, institutions, and actors. On the one hand, attention is paid to decision-making, governance efforts, and attempts by actors to exert influence. On the other hand, the course highlights how norms and institutions both constrain and enable actors’ behavior.

Two analytical questions are given particular focus:

1. How is governance achieved in public policy? This involves examining different decision-making models and governance instruments.
2. How are democracy and power exercised? Here, the opportunities for citizens and other actors to influence policy processes are critically examined.

The course also introduces different theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches in policy research. Its empirical and more practice-oriented elements draw on case studies from various policy areas, highlighting both similarities and differences in how policy processes unfold. 

The course provides in-depth knowledge valuable for work in public administration, international organisations, policy analysis, and research. It also offers a strong foundation for further specialisation in Political Science at Master’s and doctoral level.

Prerequisites

Entry to the course requires the completion of 150 credits, including a Bachelor's thesis in political science or an equivalent discipline.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 33,750
First payment: SEK 33,750

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.