Political Advising (PADM90017)

On completion of this subject, students should be able to: 

• appreciate the connections between political advising and a range of disciplines including political science, law, and economics;
• understand the foundations of political advising in the context of public policy and public administration, and contemporary debates related to this;
• understand the strategic environment in which political advisers operate and the relationships they develop to deliver on public policy goals; and
• explore the local, national, and regional factors that impact on these advisers and their environment.

On successful completion of this subject students should have: 

• A comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness and complexity of the fields of political advising, public policy and public administration, and the political environment in which advisers operate;
• A sound understanding of politics, economics and the law as they are connected to key ideas in political advising, particularly from a public appropriations perspective;
• A high-level ability to combine theory and practice in a meaningful way in order to address political challenges and analyse contemporary issues;
• A high-level ability to combine professional managerial and advisory skills with discipline-based expertise and to apply this complex synthesis to professional practice;
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills necessary to a range of professional activities including report writing, workplace discussions, negotiation and management and lobbying strategies;
• A comprehensive understanding of the accountability framework relating to ministerial advisers in the context of both the Westminster system of responsible government;
• A comprehensive understanding of the accountability framework relating to ministerial advisers in the context of both the Westminster system of responsible government;
• The ability to draw upon an extensive repertoire of advanced professional skills, in particular in decision-making, providing advice and collaborating across sectors.