Science and Technology Policy (with a professional placement year) MSc

Program Overview

The Science and Technology Policy MSc program, accredited by EQUIS and AMBA, equips students with the skills to analyze and contribute to science, technology, and innovation policy. Through core modules, options, and an optional placement year, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics of policy development and its impact on societal challenges. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in public, private, and charitable sector organizations, as well as for further academic research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program, the Science and Technology Policy (with a professional placement year) MSc, is a two-year full-time or three-year part-time program that starts in September 2024. It focuses on the complex dynamics of policy development, critiquing and contributing to science, technology, and innovation policy and industrial strategy, and analyzing science, technology, and innovation policy using various methodologies and perspectives. The program is accredited by EQUIS and AMBA, and students can apply for an optional placement year to gain real-world experience and enhance their employability.

Outline:

The program is structured into two years, with the first year focusing on core modules and options, and the second year including core modules, the optional placement year, and the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Challenge.

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Democratizing Science and Technology
• Introductory Data Science for Innovation
• Policy Making and Policy Analysis
• Science, Technology and Innovations: Markets, Firms and Policies
• Innovation for Sustainability
• Perspectives, Methods and Skills for Science, Technology and Innovation Studies
• Dissertation (Science and Technology Policy)
• Options:
• Artificial Intelligence & Global Digital Policies
• Business Analysis and Consulting
• Industrial and Innovation Policy
• Infrastructure, Innovation and Sustainability
• Introduction to Quantitative Research
• Network Analysis and Infographics
• Project Evaluation and Implementation
• Quantitative Methods for Science, Technology and Innovation Studies
• Transformative Innovation Policy for Inclusion
• Dissertation STP - with Internship

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• MSc Professional Placement Year

Teaching:

The program is taught by world-leading researchers and scholars from the University of Sussex Business School and SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit. Students benefit from the global networks of these institutions.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-equipped to analyze and guide policy, manage scientific change, and drive technological innovation. They can pursue careers in public, private, and charitable sector organizations working on economic, social, and environmental challenges. The program also opens up opportunities in businesses and NGOs worldwide and provides a strong foundation for PhD-level study and an academic career.

Other:

The program emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex dynamics of policy development and the need for effective policies for science and technology in a rapidly changing world. It also highlights the growing importance of scientific advice and evidence in informing public policies.