Program Overview

Overview of the Policy Officer - Higher Apprenticeship – CertHE

The HE Certificate in Policy Studies aims to produce policy officers equipped with the skills to play an enhanced role within central and local government or within private and third sector organisations that interact and strive to influence government policy.

The Course

This 18 month part-time programme comprises 120 credits and an EPA (End Point Assessment) upon successful completion of the course.

• Core modules:
  • SAPX4001 Readiness for Policy Officer Apprenticeship (15 credits at Level 4)
  • SAPX4002 Who runs the UK? Power, politics and policy (15 credits at Level 4)
  • SAPX4003 Applied policy analysis (15 credits at Level 4)
  • SAPX4004 Implementing policy (15 credits at Level 4)
  • SAPX4005 Making and communicating policy (15 credits at Level 4)
  • SAPX4006 Project management for Policy Officers (15 credits at Level 4)
  • SAPX4007 Critical thinking for policy analysis (15 credits at Level 4)
  • SAPX4008 Applied research methods for evidence-based policy (15 credits at Level 4)

Teaching and Assessment

The emphasis of the programme is to link the knowledge and learning to work-based learning and employment wherever possible.

• Teaching and learning are delivered using a blended learning approach, primarily through the extensive use of e-learning materials.
• Progress and attainment of learning outcomes are determined by a variety of methods of assessment including: portfolios; oral presentations; and short written assignments.

Programme Aims

This apprenticeship has been designed to develop policy officers’ knowledge and understanding of government and how their role fits into the bigger picture of shaping the policies which affect and impact the general public.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

• History of the policy area; policy aims, challenges and issues; how to engage relevant organisations; political context; relevant policy tests; legal implications; international aspects as applicable; consideration of sustainable development duties.
• Organisational structure; strategy; purpose; activities; aims; values; visions; structures; how to support and achieve these through own role.
• Political Environment: Government and Parliament - history, structure, relationship and responsibilities; electoral systems and processes; the British constitution and legislative processes; parliamentary committees; local government; public sector bodies; groups and movements influencing policy.
• Contextual Factors: Economic; social; technological; legal and environmental factors and the subsequent impact of these on policy; internal and external barriers that exist and how to overcome them.
• Programme and Project Management: Basic concepts, language and principles; importance of effective project management including delivering to plan, on time and in budget; advantages and disadvantages of different planning methods; importance of identifying risks and issues upfront; importance of continuously reviewing and updating plans.
• Commercial Awareness: The steps involved in making commercial decisions; organisational procurement processes; the requirement to achieve value for money; how to achieve best value; engaging customers and suppliers; elements of risk; financial and reputational implications.
• Consultation Process: Purpose of consultation; the importance of taking into account stakeholder and public views; engagement with local communities; consultation planning; timescales and deadlines; sample size and quality; advantages and disadvantages of different consultation methods; legal requirements.
• Policy Delivery: Policy aims and intended outcomes; what successful implementation looks like; basic delivery systems available; the delivery environment including other organisations involved; user-centred design; reputational risks and public perception; how to measure success of the policy.

Intellectual Skills

• Evaluation: Use research and trials to inform policy; consider evaluations of previous policies; read graphs and tables; understand simple descriptive statistics; consider advantages and disadvantages of evaluation methods including validity and reliability.
• Presentation Skills: Select and present information in a clear and effective manner; present information according to the audience; use correct grammar and punctuation; structure work in a logical order; write accurately, briefly and clearly; speak confidently and coherently; plan for and be able to answer questions.
• Communicating with Influence: Communicate confidently; be personable; ask insightful questions; recognise levels of authority; be able to influence others; be able to negotiate effectively and respectfully; confidently represent your organisation; recognise importance of objectivity and impartiality in policy-making.
• Time Management: Identify risks and issues; monitor progress of actions; demonstrate effective use of resources; manage conflicting priorities and pressures; work to agreed deadlines and timescales; dedicate time to specific activities.

Subject-specific Skills

• Evidence Gathering: Apply analytical techniques; make use of analytical support and key statistics related to policy area; work with experts outside of policy; apply the basics of economic appraisal; handle sensitive information securely.
• Evidence-based problem solving: Define the policy problem; demonstrate hypothesis-based thinking; seek advice from relevant experts; make decisions based on sound reasoning and evidence previously gathered; know when to escalate issues.
• Big Picture Thinking: Takes an active interest in understanding organisational priorities and strategy; looks beyond the immediate role; keeps abreast of wider issues which may impact on policy area; keeps a clear focus on the overall policy aim.

Transferable Skills

• Continuous Learning and Agility: Takes responsibility for self-development; reflects on lessons learned and feedback to improve performance; champions continuous improvement; seeks out opportunities to improve ways of working; looks to create effective change.
• Looking to the future: Is mindful of future trends and influences; considers potential risks and opportunities and adapts working style accordingly; anticipates how the future can support actions in the present; considers multiple possible outcomes.
• Working Collaboratively: Shows consideration for others; seeks to develop trusting and effective relationships; shares knowledge; encourages collaboration; is a team player; promotes diversity; listens to others; appreciates different perspectives and respects alternative opinions.
• Resilience: Is proactive; has a ‘can do’ attitude; is open to receiving feedback from others; is tenacious and remains motivated under pressure; deals positively with setbacks.
• Self-Awareness: Reflects on own performance and feedback from others; is mindful of the impact of own actions on others; adapts style to suit circumstances; understands limitations of own knowledge and uses networks to inform own work.

Entry Requirements

• A level: DD
• BTEC Nationals: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade PPP and above; or Level 3 apprenticeship; or Equivalent level 3 qualifications of at least 48 UCAS points.
• GCSE: 5 x GCSEs including English Language and Maths (or level 2 equivalent) at grade C and above (or the new grade 4 and above).
• International Foundation Programme: N/A
• T level: The University will consider applicants holding T level qualifications in subjects closely aligned to the course.
• Access to HE Diploma: The University welcomes applications from Access to Higher Education Diploma candidates for consideration. A typical offer may require you to obtain a proportion of Level 3 credits in relevant subjects at merit grade or above.

Fees and Funding

• Each apprenticeship is tailored to the needs of the employer, please contact Centre for Higher & Degree Apprenticeship for full costings.
• The university is working with levy and non-levy employers to provide apprenticeships and welcome inquiries from interested organisations.

Your Future

Policy officers, regardless of sector or organisation, will typically be responsible for engaging and interacting with government policy. Policy officers in the public sector will likely be involved in the development, implementation and evaluation phases of policymaking.

• Typical job titles for this role could include policy officer, policy administrator, policy adviser, policy support, political affairs officer, public affairs officer, drafting officer and correspondence manager.
• A degree can boost average lifetime earnings by over £300,000 (Graduate employment outcomes - Universities UK).