Thursday, December 6, 2007

MASTER IN PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMME introduction

MASTER IN PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMME introduction

The 2-year Master in Public Policy (MPP) programme provides a strong foundation in conceptual and analytical skills for future public service leaders and individuals with an interest in understanding and influencing how public policy choices are made.

A typical MPP class brings together 60 talented and committed students – many in the early phases of their careers – from Asia and beyond to study with expert and dedicated faculty. Immersed in this richly diverse environment, and meeting often in small study groups, MPP students learn to confidently apply economic and management ideas and tools to analyse, design and manage efficient and effective public policies and organisations. The School’s emphasis on problem-based learning and use of case studies focuses students’ minds on complex real-world problems rather than simple textbook examples. MPP students also have ample opportunity to hone their skills in achieving a consensus for action through effective oral and written communications.

MPP students benefit from the School’s growing network of exchange arrangements of up to 1 year with public policy schools worldwide. The School also conducts an active programme of seminars and public lectures by political, not-for-profit and business leaders to enable all students to complement their formal learning with the opportunity to interact with distinguished individuals who are shaping the future.

The School is proud of the fact that many MPP graduates have gone on to serve the public interest in international and national organisations in Asia and beyond.

academic programme
Programme Requirements

The minimum candidature period for the MPP is 18 months and the maximum is 3 years. Within that time, you must earn at least 72 graduate-level modular credits (MCs) by completing at least 16 modules, comprising 7 core modules (28 MCs) and 9 electives (36 MCs), plus a Policy Analysis Exercise (8 MCs). Most MPP students read 4 modules per semester and complete the requirements in 4 semesters spanning 2 years. You may apply to read electives (up to 12 MCs) taught in other programmes within NUS. You may read a maximum of 5 modules per semester.

To remain in the programme, you must maintain a good Cumulative Average Point (CAP) throughout your candidature. Your CAP must not fall below 2.5 (equivalent to C+) in any 2 consecutive semesters or 3.0 (equivalent to B-) in any 3 consecutive semesters. If you fail a core module, you must retake and pass that module in the next semester. If you fail an elective module, you may apply to retake and pass that module in the next semester. If you fail any module on the second attempt, or fail 3 modules, you will be required to leave the programme.

To graduate with the MPP, you must obtain a CAP of at least 3.0 for 72 graduate-level MCs, including the MCs for the 7 core modules and the Policy Analysis Exercise.

Please do take note of the following requirements:

Curriculum
Academic Calendar
Double Degree Programmes

LKYSPP Master in Public Policy students have the opportunity to enroll in a double degree programme with either Columbia University, London School of Economics and Political Science and the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po). MPP students who wish to be considered for admission to the double degree programme with any of the GPPN partner institutions will need to enroll in an additional elective in both the first and second semesters of their study. During the special term, they will undertake an internship and also enroll in an Independent Study Module. Their second year of study will be at one of the partner institutions. Students who meet the double degree requirements will graduate with a Master in Public Policy degree from the National University of Singapore and either a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbia University, a Master in Public Administration degree from London School of Economics and Political Science, or a Master of Public Affairs degree from Sciences Po.

programme features
Several key features distinguish the School’s degree programmes from more traditional academic programmes. These features make learning at the School innovative and challenging.

Case Method

Cases which are first-hand accounts of actual situations used in teaching to re-create and dramatise the challenges that confront the public official or manager. This style of teaching requires the student to learn by doing, to realise that decision-making under actual conditions is not an exact science, and to understand that actions could lead to outcomes not entirely predictable through theory. The result is a deep learning experience that goes beyond the mastery of knowledge and skills.

Speaker Series

Talks, discussions and seminars form an integral part of learning in the programme. They provide opportunities for the free exchange of ideas on the important issues of the day, thus helping students to gain insights into the policy-making process, organisational development and world affairs. The speakers include government ministers, from Singapore and other countries, senior public officials and senior NGO officials, as well as leading business people and consultants.

programme fees
The following fees apply in Academic Year 2008:
Please note that fees are subject to change.

Tuition Fees
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents
S$2,725
S$2,725
S$2,725
S$2,725
International Students
S$3,000
S$3,000
S$3,000
S$3,000
Other Fees
Application Fee
(non-refundable)


S$30 / US$20
Registration Fee (one-time payment)


S$52.50
Examination Fee (one-time payment)


S$262.50
Student Activity and Service Fee (per year)


S$67.20
Academic Related Fee (per year)


S$36.50
Group Medical Insurance Scheme (per year)
S$114.55

Unless you are on a full scholarship, you should ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your travel to and from your home country to Singapore, accommodation in Singapore and other living expenses. While all students are eligible to join the School’s medical insurance plan, a co-payment element is applicable. You are advised, therefore, to make provision for medical expenses.

Additional Costs

Additional costs include payment for student development programmes, the orientation programme, student pass/visa fees, and the programme closure event. These costs vary from year to year, but are currently estimated to be S$3,000 for the duration of the programme.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to students at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. The School offers both scholarships and grants on a competitive basis. Generally, a scholarship would cover fully the cost of studying at the School, as well as living expenses, while grants will only partially cover fees and other costs. Please click here if you wish to apply for financial aid.

admissions
Admissions Policy

The objective of the MPP programme's admissions policy is to select a diverse group of students who have not only outstanding academic ability but also the potential for career growth and who are committed to public service. The selection procedures are stringent as the programme is an intensive professional course of study leading to positions of responsibility.

Candidates accepted into the programme will normally be older than the average graduate student. Although those with less experience will be considered, the MPP candidate preferably should have at least two years' experience in a public service environment.

Graduates of the programme are likely to pursue careers with national, regional or international governments; nonprofit organisations; the media; public sector planning firms; international corporations; and other agencies devoted to the public interest.

Criteria for Selection

Intellectual Distinction - Demonstrated by prior academic achievement, recommendations, analytic training and examples of written work.

Personal Character and Leadership Capabilities - Demonstrated by prior achievements in extracurricular, civic or community activities and employment history through recommendations.

Eligibility

To be considered for the Master in Public Policy programme, you must have:

a National University of Singapore (NUS) honours degree (at least 2nd Upper) or an equivalent degree, such as a 4-year Bachelor degree with an average grade of B or better; or
a good Bachelor degree and passed the School’s placement test.
Other qualifications and experience may be accepted subject to approval by the NUS Board of Graduate Studies. Applicants should preferably have some background in economics and mathematics.

Note: These minimum requirements do not imply automatic admission into the programme.

Standardised Test Scores

If your native language is not English or your undergraduate degree programme was not conducted in English, you must submit your test scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

580 on the TOEFL paper-based test
237 on the TOEFL computer-based test
85 on the TOEFL internet-based test
6.5 on the IELTS test
Scores for the TOEFL and IELTS are valid for 2 years.

For more information about the TOEFL or IELTS, and for instructions on registering, please contact the Educational Testing Service, Rosedale Road, Princeton, NJ, 08541, U.S.A (for TOEFL) or visit the websites www.toefl.org (for TOEFL) and www.ielts.org (for IELTS).

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