The London School of Economics and Political Science

Public Policy Analysis

Online certificate course

Develop the frameworks and practical skills you need to engage in public policy analysis, from evidence-based impact evaluations to policy recommendations.

10 weeks, entirely online, with self-paced weekly modules

Enhance your understanding of public policy

Learn from internationally respected LSE academics

96% learner satisfaction

On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:

1

Practical skills and strategies immediately applicable to policy-related projects, or within your organisation.

2

Analytical frameworks for thinking critically about the policy process, and an enhanced way of thinking about the challenges and politics of public policy.

3

A firm understanding of the quantitative tools and research methodologies for conducting evidence-based impact evaluations, and effective policy communication skills.

4

A certificate of competence from the London School of Economics and Political Science – a world-leading social science university – and invaluable experience learning from subject-matter experts and a global cohort of like-minded professionals.

Course curriculum

Over the duration of this online certificate course, you’ll work your way through the following modules:

Section I

Module 1: The importance and goals of public policy
Explore the foundations, importance, and goals of public policy.

Module 2: Individuals and strategic interactions
Explore the applications of game theory to public policy analysis.

Module 3: Institutions and public policy
Explore how institutions can provide a solution to market failures.

Section II

Module 4: Quantitative skills for public policy
Review methods for analysing and describing data, and learn the basic intuition behind statistical analysis.

Module 5: Policy evaluation
Explore important principles for impact evaluation and experimental design.

Module 6: Policy communication
Learn practical skills for effective policy communication.

Section III

Module 7: Public policy processes
Explore the stages of the policy cycle and the political factors that influence each stage.

Module 8: Representation, accountability, and public policy
Explore the importance of representation and accountability in the political process.

Module 9: The politics of public policy
Discover the impact of constitutional systems on public policy.

Module 10: Challenges for public policy
Apply the theory gained from this course to real-world policy case studies.

Your Course Convenors

Dr Ryan Jablonski

Associate Professor of Political Science, Department of Government, LSE
Ryan received his PhD and MA in political science from the University of California, San Diego. His research centres on how governments and international organisations make decisions about the distribution of development spending. He is also interested in the effects of crime, corruption, and electoral manipulation on development outcomes, and has worked on case studies in a variety of different countries including Somalia, Kenya and Uganda.

Dr Daniel Berliner

Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, Department of Government, LSE
Daniel joined the LSE Department of Government in 2017. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University, Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science at the University of Minnesota, and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Freie Universität Berlin. He received his PhD at the University of Washington in 2012. His primary research focuses on the politics, implementation, and usage of transparency, accountability, and related institutional reforms around the world.

“Taking the Public Policy Analysis course at LSE was a transformative experience. The content was rich, timely, and incredibly relevant. It offered both theoretical insights and real-world applications that deepened my understanding of how policies are shaped, implemented, and evaluated. The online learning experience was seamless and well-structured, with engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and great feedback. I had the opportunity to connect with brilliant peers from around the world, whose diverse perspectives enriched our class debates and group work. The course has significantly sharpened my analytical thinking and enhanced my ability to assess policy options critically and strategically. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from one of the world's leading institutions and I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their impact in the public or private sector."

– Akindamola A | Group Communications Executive, Heirs Holdings

An online education that sets you apart

This LSE online certificate course is delivered in collaboration with online education provider GetSmarter. Join a growing community of global professionals and benefit from the opportunity to:

Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from a world-leading social science university, entirely online and in your own time.

Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience created to make you feel supported at every step.

Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones.

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Enter your information to access the course prospectus and learn more about this course from GetSmarter.

Want to know more?

Enter your information to access the course prospectus and learn more about this course from GetSmarter.