Application booklet

MASTER IN PUBLIC POLICY

PROGRAM 2013

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERSPROVIDING WORLD–CLASS RESEARCHIMPROVING GOVERNANCE IN CENTRAL ASIA

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For more information including application details please visit our website www.gspp.nu.edu.kz

or email [email protected]

Program: Master in Public Policy

Duration: 2 years full-time

Starting: August 2013

Language of Instruction: English

International Component:

A study tour to Singapore at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore

Curriculum Focus:

• Quantitative and analytical skills• Public Policy and Economics• Political Science and Management

Eligibility: • A full-time Bachelor Degree or its equivalent (GPA - 4.5 out of 5 or 3.5 out of 4)

• At least 2 years of work experience

Admissions documents:

• Completed admissions application form• A notarized copy of employment record

book or its equivalent (if applicable)

• A notarized copy of identity card or passport

• Diploma and Transcripts (diploma supplement or equivalent)

• Resumé• 3 Essays2 • 2 Reference letters• GRE test results • TOEFL/IELTS results3

• 580 on the TOEFL paper-based test;• 92 on the TOEFL internet-based test

(with a minimum 21 in each);• 6.5 on the IELTS test (with not less

than 6.0 in individual elements).

FAST FACTS

MPP PROGRAM

• A study tour to Singapore• Scholarships • World-class faculty and

research centers• Valuable peer network • Interactive learning

environment • Speaker series

of distinguished practitioners

1 Based on the Admissions Committee decision applicants with work experience less than 2 years may also be considered.

2 Candidates are required to give thoughtful answers in response to the essay questions for admissions. These questions are available in the application form and their answers must be submitted in English.

3 Candidates who obtained Bachelors or Masters degree (or equivalent) from educational institutions where English is the primary language of instruction are exempt from submission of TOEFL or IELTS scores.

ONE PROGRAM:ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES

APPLICATION DEADLINE 31 May 2013

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is ranked second in Asia for academic reputation, international faculty and international students, and 25th among all universities in the world . Its diverse and cosmopolitan community con-sisting of over 24,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students from 90 countries contrib-utes to a rich learning and living environment.The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, a constituent school of the NUS, and one of the most dynamic schools of public policy in the world, enrolls 400 post-graduate students from approximately 50 countries. It offers a unique-ly global classroom in which to explore issues related to government and public affairs, to in-teract with world-class faculty and to network with future generations of Asian leaders.

Source: QS Top Universities http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2012

Please visit www.gspp.nu.edu.kz

for further details

The MPP program will be conducted at the Grad-uate School of Public Policy (GSPP) of Nazarbayev University, a modern and rapidly developing in-ternational university located in Astana, the cap-ital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the heart of Eurasia.It is the first university in Kazakhstan that is guid-ed by principles of autonomy and academic free-dom. Its academic and research programs have been designed in official partnership with several leading universities from across the world.

LEE KUAN YEW SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

Please see www.lkyspp.nus.edu.sg for more information on the Lee Kuan Yew

School of Public Policy, NUS

INTRODUCTION

The 2-year Master in Public Policy (MPP) program is designed for young professionals who seek rigorous education and train-ing in public affairs. It is conducted full-time at the Nazarbayev University.Taught by expert faculty using real-world case studies and a problem-based learning approach, MPP students learn to ap-ply the techniques of policy analysis and program evaluation to resolve complex, multi-faceted policy challenges, as well as to sharpen their leadership, management, and communication skills. The School also conducts an active series of seminars and public lectures by political, non-profit, and business lead-ers, which enable students to complement their formal learn-ing with the opportunity to interact with distinguished individ-uals who have shaped the past, and are shaping the future.The MPP class comprises approximately 20-30 accomplished and motivated individuals, who bring with them a wealth of diverse experiences. This enhances the classroom learning ex-perience. Students come from many different public as well as private and nonprofit sectors, from Kazakhstan and beyond. Bright fresh students are also considered as potential candi-dates. It is worth emphasizing that much of the networking during the two-year term at GSPP is through public lectures by scholars and practitioners, and many career talks. This helps in not only job placement after graduation, but also lasting and enduring networks for purposes of research and academic col-laborations.MPP graduates are expected to serve in a wide range of mid-dle to senior-level positions in government, not-for-profit or-ganizations, multilateral institutions, and the private sector.Several key features distinguish the GSPP’s degree programs from more traditional academic programs, details of which are provided below. These features make learning at the School rigorous, innovative and challenging.

Part I: PROGRAM INFORMATION 5

A SPECIAL SEMESTER AT THE LEE KUAN YEW SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY, NUS

CASE STUDY

SPEAKER SERIES

POLICY ANALYSIS EXERCISE (PAE)

UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM

The PAE will serve as an integrative feature of the MPP curricu-lum, requiring students to apply what they have learned in the Pro-gram to a complex, real world policy and/or management problem. Students will conduct fieldwork and extensive consultations with their clients, based in Kazakhstan, over a month-long period in the middle of the academic year, and finalized towards the end of the

semester in May-June. It is, in essence, the applied version of the traditionally theoretical Master thesis or dissertation.

National University of SingaporeCollaboration with our strategic partner, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, allows students a unique opportunity to spend several weeks in Singapore. There, students will take an elective

course, and through site visits to Singaporean agencies and sessions with senior government practitioners, will experience strategic policy-making and implementation practices for which Singaporean public service is renowned.

Cases which are first-hand accounts of actual situations are used in classes to re-create and dramatize the challenges that confront public officials or managers in respect of policy analysis, imple-mentation, and management. Through case-based teaching, stu-dents learn valuable lessons about making decisions with incom-plete data, and in times of uncertainty and resource constraints.

This style of teaching requires the student to learn by doing, to realize that decision-making under actual conditions is not an exact science, and to understand that actions could lead to outcomes not entirely predictable through theory. The result is a multi-layered, comprehensive, and nuanced learning experience that goes beyond the mastery of knowledge and skills, while strengthening management and leadership skills.

Talks, discussions, seminars, and lectures from public and business leaders form an integral part of learning in the MPP program. They provide opportunities for the free exchange of ideas on the import-ant issues of the day, thus helping students to gain insights into policy-making processes, organizational developments, and world affairs. Speakers include government ministers from Kazakhstan

and other countries, high-ranking public officials and bureaucrats, senior officers from non-gov-ernment organizations, business executives, and consultants. This enables all students to com-plement their formal learning with the opportunity to interact with distinguished individuals and establish important life-long contacts.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

The academic calendar for the MPP program during 2013—2015 is as follows:

ORIENTATIONOne week in August 2013

Team building

SEMESTER 1September – December 2013

Core module 1Core module 2Core module 3Elective 1

Mid-December 2013 – Beginning of January 2014

Vacation

SEMESTER 2January – April 2014

Core module 4Core module 5Elective 2Elective 3

SEMESTER 3September – December 2014

Core module 6Core module 7Elective 4Elective 5

Mid-December 2014 – Beginning of January 2015

Vacation

SEMESTER 4January – April 2015April - May 2015 Study Tour to Singapore

Core module 8Elective 6Elective 7Policy Analysis Exercise

ORIENTATIONOrientation (one week in Astana in August) will allow students to settle in addition, the orien-tation will allow students to settle in and for the school introduce such topics as academic stan-dards, the nature of the field of public policy and analysis, exploration of Astana and government agencies, and building a class culture.

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COURSESTHE CORE CURRICULUM

The Program has a strong focus on the elements of public policy from an Asian perspective. The two-year duration allows for greater curric-ulum diversification and specialization, including in such areas as eco-nomic analysis, the relationship between the public and private sec-tors, and international affairs.

INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC POLICY AND ANALYSIS

This course is an introduction to the public policy process, and is meant for the beginner policy analysts. It considers a number of fundamen-tal questions including: 1) rationales for collective interference in pri-vate affairs; 2) limitations to collective action; 3) generic instruments of public policy; 4) how can social costs and benefits be measured; and 5) what are the appropriate roles of policy analysts in democratic societies. The course seeks to sharpen analytical reasoning, and data gathering, and drafting skills.

POLITICS AND PUBLIC POLICY

This module addresses the question, ‘Regarding the political world, what do we need to know in order to have a critical understanding of the rationale, mechanics, and prospects of policymaking in the modern world?’ The first part of the module explores the institutions, practic-es, cultures, interests, and actors of modern political systems, whereas the second part focuses on modern political theories and ideologies that have conditioned the possibilities and limitations of policymaking. Cases and examples will be drawn primarily from Asian experience but discussed in comparison with appropriate cases and examples from elsewhere.

PUBLIC MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

This course reviews major strategies for improving the performance of public sector organizations. It critically examines the so-called “New Public Management” (NPM) approaches to reform, exploring the con-ditions in which these may be successfully applied to a range of country contexts and organizational settings. The role of leadership in redefin-ing organizational missions, building operational capacities and mus-tering political support for reform is a cross-cutting theme. The course introduces practical tools for organizational diagnosis and change man-agement while cultivating, through case study analysis, an apprecia-tion of the challenges inherent in their application.

POLICY RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This course focuses on research design through the analysis of research papers using the various techniques of qualitative and mixed methods of empirical analysis. Major topics include qualitative policy research, descriptive qualitative analysis, participatory techniques, methods of research design, quasi-experimental and non-experimental designs, case study research, field research and quality control, and meta-anal-ysis. Students are expected to apply these techniques to real-life case studies and present analyses in class. Primary outcomes and goals in-clude understanding the steps of research design and implementation,

MPP CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

the main research methods of qualitative analysis and mixed methods in public policy and public administration, from the perspective of both academics and prac-titioners. The course will also enhance the analytical ability of students to identify the relevant research methods and their strengths and weaknesses in understand-ing public policy problems from various fields, and improve their ability to think creatively and innovatively about research design.

STATISTICAL TECHNIqUES FOR PUBLIC POLICY

This course provides students with a solid grounding in quantitative techniques used to analyze public policy. At the end of the course, students will be expected to use advanced statistical tools to analyze case studies based on real life and draw appropriate policy conclusions. The major topics covered are: Sampling and survey design, linear regression and the classical model, model building for regres-sion analysis, multiple regression analysis, time series analysis and forecasting, and limited dependent variable models.

MICROECONOMICS AND PUBLIC POLICY

Public policy requires economic literacy. This course is designed to develop an ap-preciation of how microeconomics concepts and tools can be utilized to analyze public policy issues. The course covers traditional microeconomics topics, such as theory of consumer behavior, choice under uncertainty and behavior of firm under various market structures. Economic theory is applied to a wide range of policy issues. The course emphasizes application rather than formalism.

MACROECONOMICS AND PUBLIC POLICY

This course examines the essential features of key macroeconomic policy instru-ments used in the attainment of policy objectives such as full employment, price stability, and economic growth. Short-term policy tools such as monetary and/or exchange rate policy, government expenditure and taxation policy, wages and for-eign labour policy will be examined. Longer-term policies such as saving and in-vestment policy, ways of achieving international competitiveness, human resource policy and policies aimed at promoting economic growth and factor productivity will also be covered. Emphasis will placed be on designing appropriate policy mixes to achieve desired policy targets.

POLICY ANALYSIS EXERCISE

A Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE) will serve as an integrative feature of the curricu-lum, requiring students to apply what they have learned to a complex, real-world policy problem (see below); students will conduct fieldwork and extensive consul-tations with their clients over a month-long period in the middle of the year.

ELECTIVES

In addition to the above core modules, students will select eight elective modules from a range of potential offerings plus Policy Analysis Exercise that accounts as a module. These may include, for example:

• Social Policy: Issues and Options• Public Sector Reform in Developing Countries• Strategies for Poverty Alleviation• Energy Policy and International Security

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This section has been prepared to help you apply for admission to the MPP program at the Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy. It contains all the material needed to file an application. You may also visit the School’s website at www.gspp.nu.edu.kz

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION

The application form must be completed in English. Non-English supporting documents must be accompanied by a notarized English translation. The originals of submitted documents must be furnished for verification at student registration. Students found to have given inaccurate or false information will be required to withdraw from the MPP program. Your full name, as written on page one of the application form, should appear on every document submitted. Please call our attention to any variation in your name that may appear on any material submitted.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all application materials are mailed in time to reach Nazarba-yev University by 31 May 2013. Please note that late applications may not be accepted.

There are 2 ways by which you can submit your MPP application: • Online (preferably) • Paper

Part II: APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS

Completed admissions application form

Official transcripts and certificates

Standardized English language test score

Curriculum vitae/resumé

3 Essays

2 References

Copy of passport or identity card

Copy of employment record or equivalent (if applicable)

Copies of supporting documents

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HOW TO APPLY

To apply to the MPP program, you must submit a complete application package that includes all of the following documents:

10 GRE test results

Online Submission

1. COMPLETED ADMISSIONS APPLICATION FORM

Please visit www.admissions.nu.edu.kz for the Online Application System. Please ensure that your application and supporting documents reach Nazarbayev University by 31 May 2013

2. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND CERTIFICATES

Official transcripts (which must include a list of courses completed, and grades/marks re-ceived) in respect of academic degrees/diplomas/certificates from each college or univer-sity you have attended. The original degree diplomas will be verified upon enrollment at Nazarbayev University. If such documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by duly notarized English translations.

3. STANDARDISED TEST SCORES

Test scores for the TOEFL or IELTS must be submitted bay all applicants except those who obtained Bachelor’s or Masters degree or equivalent from foreign educational institutions where English is the primary language of instruction.

The minimum admission scores for the level of English proficiency should be as follows:

580 on the TOEFL paper-based test;

92 on the TOEFL internet-based test (with a minimum 21 in each);

6.5 on the IELTS test (with not less than 6.0 in individual elements)

Scores for the TOEFL and IELTS are valid for 2 years.

Please note that the tests are conducted only at specific times. It takes about 4 months from the date of registration of the test for the score to be received by an insti-tution. Therefore, you should allow sufficient time for the School to receive the results.

There is no need for institution or subject codes for the IELTS. Official copies of the test scores must be sent directly to the School by the applicant. If you know your scores, please enter them on the application form. You may also include a photocopy of your score report. How-ever, final admissions decisions are contingent upon the receipt of the official score report by the School.

For more information about the TOEFL or IELTS, and for instructions on registering, please visit the websites www.toefl.org (for TOEFL) and www.ielts.org (for IELTS).

4. CURRICULUM VITAE /RESUMé

Please provide a curriculum vitae (CV) listing your academic, professional, and personal achievements, including significant appointments that you have held. For each appointment, indicate the organization, the period (include month and year) during which you held the appointment, your major responsibilities, your starting- and ending-salary and the name and title of your supervisor. Please explain any gaps in your employment history. Please include your hobbies and interests.

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5. ESSAYS

Please limit your essays to 500 words. Questions are available on the application form, an-swers must be submitted in English.

Essay 1: Describe your most significant professional contribution towards the pub-lic interest.

Essay 2: What is the most critical public problem facing your organization or com-munity? What should be done about it?

Essay 3: How do you see the MPP program helping you to further your personal and career goals?

Optional: If you have concerns about your prior academic background, you may wish to give a brief explanation of your performance in college and its relation to your past and future career accomplishments.

6. REFERENCES

You must provide two references in English or with notarized English translation from indi-viduals who know you and your work. It is important that you select referees who are able to comment on your abilities in the professional setting, if fresh graduate then your intern-ship experiences.

7. THE EMPLOYMENT RECORD BOOK OR ITS EqUIVALENT (IF APPLICABLE)

8. GRE TEST RESULTS

9. PASSPORT OR ID

Password (for online application only)When submitting your application online, you will be asked to enter a 6-character password. Your password is important and can be used with your application number, to access the following online facilities related to your application:Online Application Status EnquiryOnline Update of Contact DetailsOnline Reply to Offer of Admission

CHECKLIST

Please check that you have enclosed the following in your application package.

Please mail the complete application package to the following address:

Admissions Committee Public Policy Program 2013Graduate School of Public Policy, Nazarbayev University53 Kabanbay Batyr AvenueAstana 010000Republic of KazakhstanTel: +7 (7172) 70 91 48, 70 91 49 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gspp.nu.edu.kzFacebook: www.facebook.com/nugspp

REMINDERIt is your responsibility to ensure that all application material is mailed in time to reach the Nazarbayev University by 31 May 2013. We regret that late applications will not be accepted.

The information in this booklet is accurate at time of publication in February 2013.The Nazarbayev University reserves the right to make changes.

PAPER SUBMISSION

To apply, submit the complete application package using this application booklet. Please ensure that your application and supporting documents reach the Graduate School of Public Policy, Nazarbayev University by 31 May 2013.

• Completed admissions application form• Official transcripts and certificates• Standardized English language test score • Curriculum vitae/resumé• 3 Essays• 2 References• Copy of passport or identity card• Copy of the employment record or equivalent (if applicable)• Copies of supporting documents • GRE test results

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Contact

Master in Public Policy Program Graduate School of Public Policy, Nazarbayev University

53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue Astana 010000 Republic of Kazakhstan

Tel: +7 (7172) 70 91 48, 70 91 49

E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/nugspp http://gspp.nu.edu.kz www.nu.edu.kz

Graduate School of Public Policy

Astana 2013