Computational Policy Modelling MSc

MSc in Computational Policy Modelling 

 

From September 2015 the University of Surrey, UK will be running a new taught post-graduate programme in Computational Policy Modelling.

 

The syllabus combines qualitative, quantitative and computational social science methodologies with policy analysis, allowing students to develop fully integrated knowledge and skills to tackle complex social phenomena and problems in creative and application focussed way. The course is designed to engage students from a variety of disciplinary and professional backgrounds; no previous programming or social science skills are necessary. All that is needed is enthusiasm to engage with interesting problems and learn new and exciting methods to tackle them. 

 

Modules are a mixture of computational and traditional social science and policy research:

Computational Modelling

  • Basic concepts of social simulation

  • Intermediate NetLogo

Data Analysis

  • basic concepts and the function of statistical measurement

  • exploratory data analysis

Theory Model Data

  • What are models and why should we use them?

  • Modelling in the social sciences (traditional and computational models

Field Data

  • Qualitative Research Design

  • Methodological Issues and debates in qualitative social research

Modelling the Social World

  • Advanced modelling in the social sciences

  • Advanced NetLogo

Theory Model Data

  • What are models and why should we use them?

  • Modelling in the social sciences (traditional and computational models

Policy Modelling

  • Policy relevant modelling case studies using different techniques (e.g. agent-based modelling, system dynamics, soft systems methodology)

  • Model interpretation and presentation in policy environments (e.g. water management, public health

Evaluation Research

  • types of evaluation: process/formative and impact/summative

  • evaluation research designs: quantitative and qualitative approaches; randomised control trials; experimental and quasi-experimental designs; comparative research designs

 

Statistical Modelling

  • Advanced Statistical Modelling

  • Linear/Logistic/Multinomial regression and interaction effects

 

 

The programme is available as a one year full-time or two year part-time degree. For further details see http://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/computational-policy-modelling or contact c.elsenbroich@surrey.ac.uk.