Program Overview

Evidence for Decision Making (STEP0027)

Key Information

The Evidence for Decision Making module is part of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, specifically the Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy department. It has a credit value of 15. This module is only available to STEaPP MPA students.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

At the heart of policy making is the challenge of understanding the world outside of ministries and life as directly observed by policy makers. This challenge is commonly addressed through 'evidence-based policy-making,' which raises questions about what evidence is and what it should be. The module explores the scientific basis for evidence and how it manifests, considering what this means for policy advisors' ability to use evidence for influencing decisions.

The module provides a practical guide to understanding evidence in the context of real-world policy-making. It recognizes the need for quick judgments about the quality of any individual piece of evidence in relation to both scientific standards and policy standards. Additionally, it looks at what makes evidence useful to policy and how to address challenges of a lack of useful evidence. There is an emphasis on ensuring that evidence is drawn from a range of sources and perspectives, avoiding a strict focus on either academic or industry research to provide policy officials with a sound basis for making effective recommendations.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

• Intended teaching term: Term 1
• Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 15% Dissertations, extended projects, and reports
  • 85% Coursework
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 52
• Module leader: Dr. Adam Cooper

Module Details

The module ties in closely with the content of Policymaking and rests on some concepts and methods covered in Analytic Methods, which is covered at the same time. The catalogue has been updated with key information about the modules that will run during the 2026/27 academic session. Information in the catalogue is subject to change as teaching and assessment arrangements for 2026/27 may need to be adjusted in line with the University's Feedback and Assessment principles and operating model.