Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :


CG1. Develop an understanding and a political action: develop an understanding and ethics relating to public service

CG1.1 Identify, analyse and understand the political issues of a given situation.
CG1.2 Adopt a stance in debates and negotiations in defence of the interests of the institutions and organisations they represent.
CG1.3 Incorporate the ethical dimension and the “in the public service and for the common good” dimension into the political debates and actions.

CG2. Position their analyses and/or actions in a multi-level perspective.
 

CG2.1 Identify the different institutional levels.
CG2.2 Demonstrate in-depth and specialist knowledge (depending on the choice of focus) of the different political and institutional systems and political issues at international, European and Belgian levels.
CG2.3 Compare the different political and institutional systems, both national and international.
CG2.4 Identify the various government and non-government stakeholders (social movements, interest groups, citizens, etc.) and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of their positions.
CG2.5 Analyse the interactions between the different stakeholders, from the relationships between political parties and states to the role of non-governmental organisations.

CG3. Adopt a robust and interdisciplinary approach to analysing complex political, economic and social situations.

CG3.1 Demonstrate in-depth specialist knowledge (theories, fundamentals, phenomena) of political sciences, according to the focus chosen.
CG3.2 Demonstrate basic knowledge of key aspects of the human and social science disciplines related to political sciences, according to the focus chosen: law, geopolitics, economics, sociology and history.
CG3.3 Pertinently and rigorously apply the data analysis (qualitative and quantitative) and diagnostic tools in social and political sciences to provide a better understanding of the complexity of “political life”.
CG3.4 Apply and combine these tools and knowledge to analyse the issues/questions specific to political sciences (according to the focus chosen*).

CG4. Use their politico-institutional expertise to advise on political action in a specific sector or area (according to the focus chosen).

CG4.1 Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge (for the focus chosen) of the issues unique to the different sectors of political life (environment, family, humanitarian, etc.).
CG4.2 Explain and analyse specific contexts and situations:
- Analyse the different regional geographic areas,
- Evaluate political action by sector or area,
- Use robust analytical and diagnostic tools,
- Apply a robust comparative approach.
CG4.3 Contribute to the analysis and/or design of management strategies for real-life political situations, according to the focus chosen.

CG5. Disseminate pertinent political, economic and social information adapted to the targeted sector of the public and interact constructively with the different stakeholders involved in a given situation.

CG5.1 Communicate pertinently, both verbally and in writing, on complex topics/situations in political sciences:
• Select the relevant information required to analyse and compare political situations.
• Present the information in an accurate, structured, clear, precise and well-argued manner (demonstrating an ability to prepare reports, assessments, critical reviews, notes, etc.).
• Adapt the communication (content and form) to the targeted sector of the public and to the intended purposes according to the communication standards specific to the context (popularising, etc.).
CG5.2 Communicate, interact and negotiate constructively with various representatives, including colleagues, political decision-makers and target audiences.
CG5.3 Liaise and collaborate effectively within a team and network effectively with other agencies involved in a given situation.

CG6. Devise and implement a personal research project (thesis) using a robust and critical scientific and methodological approach in order to conduct a detailed analysis of an issue related to political science (in the chosen field of study).

CG6.1 Define and explain a research subject, making sure that it is placed in the proper context.
CG6.2 Prepare a critical report on the literature relating to this subject, making active, critical and pertinent use of information tools and primary and secondary sources.
CG6.3 Construct and implement a robust and pertinent methodology in response.
CG6.4 Devise and carry out, if appropriate, a quantitative and/or qualitative empirical research project using suitable analytical tools.
CG6.5 Develop an objective analysis and the ability to summarise so as to enable the relevant parameters to be put into perspective and pertinent conclusions to be formed.

CG7. Act as academics and critical and responsible players committed to continuous development.

CG7.1 Embark on a socio-professional practice using a well-founded academic approach (from a theoretical and methodological perspective) characterised by a reflective and critical attitude.
CG7.2 Work, make decisions and act independently and responsibly with regard to the framework, the work context and other people.
CG7.3 Be aware of their societal and civic responsibilities.
CG7.4 Maintain an attitude of critical detachment (their knowledge, skills, limitations, achievements and actions) and of the continuous learning and development required to evolve positively in their socio-professional environment.

More specifically, as graduates of the Master [120] in Public Administration (non-standard timetable) who have pursued the Professional focus (Regional development and territorial projects):


APH 

APH1. Demonstrate and use, in a critical manner, in-depth and specialist knowledge related to:
  • the development and decision-making process at each stage of the cycle of a public policy and the analysis and direction of public action,
  • the functioning and management of public organisations,
  • the multi-level dimension of institutional systems,
  • the national, regional, European and international political arenas.
APH2. Demonstrate and use, in a critical manner, in-depth and specialist knowledge of management with a public service ethos.
APH3. Analyse and manage complex situations/problems related to public action by using different analytical methodologies and tools, by:
  • identifying, analysing and taking account of the numerous issues,
  • identifying and analysing the stakeholders involved, their positions and their interactions,
  • analysing the internal organisation of political institutions,
  • critically and pertinently mobilising the tools (theoretical and conceptual) and methods required to analyse and act on the operating methods of the policies implemented, - making an in-depth study of the practical aspects of the implementation of public actions and the theoretical aspects arising from the current changes in this action, particularly in the Europeanisation and partnership process,
  • adopting a robust comparative approach in the analysis of institutional dynamics and the interactions between public and private stakeholders,
  • integrating multi-level governance processes,
  • being mindful of socio-economic development and the spacial extent of the policies,
  • mobilising the pertinent theoretical and conceptual tools to analyse European and international problems.
APH4. Organise and direct political consultation, the monitoring of procedures and processes, as well as the introduction of control or monitoring tools.
APH5. Analyse and discuss political systems by studying new forms of democracy and public action.
APH6. Discuss and analyse spacial and territorial dynamics in the creation of a development dynamic.
APH7. Analyse and evaluate public policies, inter alia the effects of implementing a public policy at local, national, and international levels and the process guaranteeing the legitimacy of the directions taken and of its impact on the real situation.
APH8. Work as part of a team within a hierarchy, in a team or a network.
APH9. Identify, analyse and direct changes in public organisations and create and provide well thought out and pertinent innovation.
APH10. Adopt an analytical approach to their professional practice:
  • Question practical situations based on their professional experiences.
  • Combine their learning with a view to on-the-job social and professional action.
  • Compare and discuss professional practices and different points of view (in peer groups and with experts).
  • Compare theory and practice in order to learn how to critically examine the operation of an organisation and/or a problematic situation, as well as the theory relating to reality on the ground (a “round trip” between theories and practices).
  • Adopting an analytical approach, situate and perform their role and scope of action within an organisation, liaising with the various internal and external stakeholders and adapting to the context and operational principles.
APH11. Develop their communication and relational skills by their command of theoretical reference frameworks, the development of expertise and the implementation of a metacognitive approach to their interpersonal skills, in direct relation to their professional lives