डॉ. बी. आर. अम्बेडकर विश्वविद्यालय दिल्ली 
The MA programme in Public Policy & Governance adopts a multidisciplinary approach with concepts and methodologies drawn from both social science and science disciplines in order to develop a more holistic understanding of policy making process and programme implementation at multiple levels of governance. This will encompass engaging with political economy questions rather than seeing public policy making as merely a technical exercise. It is aimed at equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address complex social challenges and contribute towards the creation of more just and equitable societies. Recognizing that Governance is not a neutral term and the different ways in which ‘Governance’ agenda has been used, the programme uses the concept to underline the plurality of actors underpinning policy landscape without necessarily making any value judgement. The myriad ways in which public policies can address or perpetuate exclusions also lies at the heart of policy concerns. In other words, it is not only exclusions that happen at the 'end' of a policy process that are important but also how inclusion/ exclusion works through policy process/ design. It is in this spirit that the programme seeks to place questions of equity and democracy at the centre stage.
Apart from courses that focus on the theory and practice of public policy, the programme includes courses across three core disciplines, namely, sociology, economics, and political science that are foundational to public policy. The two-year course curriculum includes courses on policy processes and institutions, programme implementation and evaluation, and public policies for the marginalized to allow students to reckon with complex features of the Indian setting. The programme lays particular emphasis on research with courses geared towards acquainting students with both qualitative and quantitative research methods and workshops on academic writing and dissertation writing. Students will have the opportunity to write a Master’s dissertation during the fourth semester to enable them to deepen their understanding in a chosen policy domain of their interest which they may pursue further.
Pedagogy: The programme follows an innovative and integrative pedagogy that combines in-class discussion and reflections with field exposure and hands-on experience through internship and research dissertation.
Assessment Pattern: The evaluation over the two years is based on capturing the progress and improvement of the students through the dual criteria of: (i) knowledge, which is periodically assessed through formative continuous assessments and summative end term examinations: and (ii) skill, assessed through various forms of evaluation including assignments, projects, presentation, debates culminating in dissertation in the fourth semester.
Aim of the Programme:
- To nurture critically informed public policy professionals by creating a credible platform for well-informed debate on public policy concerns and enhance the engagement of ‘public’ with policy.
- Impart academic rigor and practical knowledge and skills to graduates to act as positive change-agents.
Programme Highlights:
Alongside the in-house faculty resources, an eminent panel of experts from the field of practice including civil services and policy think tanks, drawn from both the national and international organizations, will constitute the band of professionals who will deliver and transact the cutting-edge courses from the field of public policy.
Focus on enhancing employability of students
- Close collaboration through interaction and field exposure with policy experts and practitioners in the form of Workshops and Internship
- Intensive course curriculum fostering critical thinking
- In-built field component within the courses
- Skill enhancement courses
- Create a platform for context-specific evidence-based policymaking.
- Establish an organic Indian Public Policy education and practices by making it meaning to understand the needs of heterogeneous and vulnerable population
The programme is designed to leverage the strengths of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) in alignment with its vision, i.e. perceiving public policy as an instrument of social justice and transformation. While it aims to learn and collaborate with existing Public Policy Programmes within and outside of the country, it aspires to carve its own niche as a sought-after academic hub for public policy in the country.