| CODE | PPG5117 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Research Methods for Policy, Politics and Governance 1 | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||
| EQF/MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Policy, Politics and Governance | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Research Methods for Policy, Politics and Governance introduces students to the principles, processes, and practical applications of research within both policy and organisational contexts. The study-unit equips students with the analytical and methodological foundations required to design, conduct, and interpret research relevant to public policy and business decision-making. Students will explore a range of theoretical, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches to research, gaining competence in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The emphasis is placed on developing the ability to translate research evidence into actionable insights that inform policy formulation, evaluation, and strategic management decisions. This study-unit integrates theoretical understanding with applied learning, encouraging students to design and critically assess research projects that address real-world policy or business challenges. Ethical considerations, data integrity, and the communication of research findings are central components of the learning experience. Study-Unit Aims: - Develop students’ understanding of research as a systematic process of inquiry in both policy, politics and business environments; - Provide students with the methodological tools to conduct independent and applied research projects relevant to political, policy and organisational contexts; - Strengthen students’ abilities to analyse theoretical works, political arguments, quantitative and qualitative data and to draw evidence-based conclusions; - Encourage critical awareness of ethical, social, and practical dimensions of research; - Prepare students for the research demands of the dissertation and professional roles in political, policy and business settings. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain key concepts, principles, and philosophies underpinning social science and applied research; - Distinguish between theoretical, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research designs and their appropriate applications; - Explain data collection techniques such as surveys, interviews, document analysis, and case studies; - Demonstrate an understanding of sampling, validity, reliability, and ethical considerations in research. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Formulate clear research questions and objectives relevant to political, policy or business contexts; - Design research proposals including suitable methodologies and analytical frameworks for political, policy or organisational research; - Collect, manage, and analyse data using appropriate software or tools including those applied in political and policy analysis; - Interpret research findings and communicate results effectively to academic, political, policy, or managerial audiences; - Critically evaluate existing research and assess its relevance, reliability, and impact within political, policy and business environments. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: View reading list |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Kurt Borg Marguerite Camilleri Anne Marie Thake |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2026/7. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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