By james art Dr. Aung Hin is Assistant Professor of Public Policy and a member of the Center for Institutions and Political Behavior.
Tell us about your role in the School of Public Administration and International Affairs.
I am an Assistant Professor of Public Policy in the School of Government and International Affairs. I am also a faculty member at the Center for Institutions and Political Behavior, the largest research center within SGIA. I teach courses in public policy as well as public administration.
Tell us about your research interests and areas of expertise.
My research interests are in government capacity, public bureaucracy and civil service reforms. Many of us work in organizations with formal organizational units, departments and roles, as well as formal processes and procedures. I am particularly interested in the informal processes in public organizations, such as the socialization of newly appointed civil servants and office politics, that their members routinely experience, and how these affect the performance of these organizations. I conduct research on community organizations in low-income countries, including Sub-Saharan Africa. Before the academy, I ran a policy research program that provided policy advice to two successive civilian governments in Myanmar.
What makes the MSc Public Policy unique?
The MA in Public Policy at Durham University will provide students not only with an understanding of the actors, institutions, processes and policies involved in policy-making, but also with professional skills for their future careers – whether as policy makers or analysts in various sectors. An important component in achieving this is the Capstone module, where students will work for our partner organisations, helping them to solve a policy challenge in a real policy environment.
In addition, the MSc Public Policy also has a strong data analysis component. Students—regardless of their background in data analysis—will learn both to analyze data and how to understand analysis generated by others for evidence-based decisions.
Can you tell us more about the Capstone module?
The Capstone module is designed to help students apply their classroom learning to a real political environment, learn to work in a team and gain professional skills. Over two terms, a team of students will work with one of our partner organizations—including government agencies, nonprofits, and private businesses—to help them solve a policy challenge facing that organization.
What can students expect from the first few weeks of the Master of Public Policy program?
During the first few weeks, they will be introduced to one of the UK’s top politics and international affairs departments at a world-class academic institution – Durham University. They will begin taking core modules in public policy and data analysis, while choosing optional modules ranging from global health policy to natural language processing. They will also attend various guest lectures hosted by the Center for Institutions and Political Behavior, which will provide them with a second academic home within SGIA.
Outside of the classroom, they will be allocated to one of Durham University’s colleges as a social home during their stay with us. There they will take part in a variety of social events and activities – including formal dinners and guest lectures – and fully experience what a collegiate university education entails and form lifelong friendships and connections.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying for a Masters in Public Policy?
If you are considering a career that involves policy analysis and evidence-based decision-making in public agencies, NGOs or private firms, or are already in such positions but need to improve your policy and data analysis skills, this program is for you.
We welcome students from all academic backgrounds who are interested in creating better public policies.