In the assignment you should consider:
The source, scope and expected outcome (or outcomes) of the policy.
The context of the policy and its evidence‐base (or likely evidence‐base).
The context within which the policy has been implemented, is being implemented, or is being
proposed for
implementation, including any unanticipated outcomes. Additional Guidance Below is a potential structure for the
assignment which you may find useful. You are not required to follow this structure; the suggested words counts are also
only indicative. It is your task to determine the word count balance that best allows you to demonstrate the Masters‐
level “Typical Performance Indicators” set out in the MSc Education Programme Handbook (available from the MSc Education
Admin Blackboard).
Introduction (500 words)
Identify the policy that you have selected as the focus for your critical analysis.
Set out your statement of purpose in your assignment and identify the main parameters and key
terms.
Theory/methodology (600 words)
Identify a theoretical construct that you can use for your critical analysis (for example, if you are
analysing
‘knowledge’ in a curriculum document, you might identify various ‘types’ of ‘knowledge’).
Set out your methodology for your policy analysis.
Policy Analysis: context, text, consequences/implications (2,400
words) In conducting a critical analysis of your selected policy (or set of policies), you ae likely to undertake some
or all of the following:
Identify the antecedents and pressures leading to the development of the policy; you might consider to what extent the
policy builds on, or breaks with, previous policy.
Consider critically the evidence‐base on which the policy was developed, or is being developed.
1
Identify how the policy text is articulated and framed, what it aims to do, what values are contained within the
policy, whether such aims are explicit or implicit, whether it requires action, and if so what action and by whom, and
so on.
Try to make clear the links between your policy analysis and the consequences/implications of the policy for education
practice.
Adopt a critical stance of the extent to which the policy aims have been, or are likely to be, achieved.
Consider critically any existing evidence‐base for the extent of impact of the policy. If appropriate,
you may want to
consider critically whether some aspects of the wider societal changes taking place at the same time have affected the
extent to which the policy was, or may be, successful in its implementation. Conclusions and Recommendations (500
words)
Summarise the main conclusions of your policy analysis.
Discuss the extent to which you think you have achieved your intended purpose for the assignment
and whether or not
additional forms evidence would be beneficial (and what these might be).
Make some recommendations about how the policy could be developed and/or implemented,
referring to relevant sources
(in addition to the policy document you have analysed) as appropriate.
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