GV4F4 Half Unit
Policy Advice in Theory and Practice
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Elise Antoine
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in International Migration and Public Policy, MSc in International Migration and Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po) and MSc in Public Policy and Administration. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply: to apply for a place on this course, please write a short statement of 200 words (max) outlining the specific reasons for applying and how the course will benefit your academic/career goals. Priority will be given to students on the programmes listed in the ‘availability’ section of the course guide. You should check that you meet any pre-requisites in the course guide before applying (where applicable). Places on capped courses cannot be guaranteed.
Deadline for application: The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on Friday 26 September 2025. You can expect to be informed of the outcome of your application by 12:00 noon on Monday 29 September 2025. Any places remaining after this date will be allocated based on priority and written statement - up until course selection closes.
For queries contact: gov.msc@lse.ac.uk
This course is capped at 3 groups.
Course content
Many master's graduates in public policy and administration go on to work in organizations that produce or consume policy advice. This course explores the production, communication, and use of policy advice in contemporary policymaking, with a particular focus on the role of interest groups. Combining theoretical and empirical insights, it examines how policy advice is shaped by institutional, political, and practical constraints. Students will engage with a wide range of scholarly literature, be exposed to practitioners who produce and commission advice, and participate in a multi-week EU policy simulation, taking on the roles of policymakers and advisors.
Teaching
15 hours of seminars, 15 hours of seminars and 10 hours of lectures in the Winter Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Winter Term.
There will be a series of practitioner seminars in addition to the standard lectures and seminars for this course.
Formative assessment
Presentation
Mock exam
One group presentation and a mock examination.
Indicative reading
John, P. (2012). Analyzing Public Policy (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Stone, D.A., (2002). Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making, New York: Norton.
Scott, C. and Baehler, K. (2010). Adding Value to Policy Analysis and Advice, Sydney: University of New South Wales Press.
Assessment
Exam (50%), duration: 120 Minutes in the Spring exam period
Project (50%, 2500 words) in Spring Term Week 1
Key facts
Department: Government
Course Study Period: Winter Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Keywords: Policy advice
Total students 2024/25: 35
Average class size 2024/25: 23
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Specialist skills