The course 'Comparative Public Policies in Europe "[optional, 6 ECTS, first semester, fourth year, offered in the English language] is designed to introduce students in the advanced study of public policy from a conceptual and empirical perspective and it aims to provide conceptual and practical knowledge about European public policies, its determinants and contents. By both learning  the main concepts and theories employed in comparative public policy research and getting acquainted with the problems and contents of different policies and countries, the knowledge provided in this course will be useful for students both as future public managers or professionals and as ordinary citizens. The course focuses on the reality of several public policies in several European countries, offering information about the current discussion in the literature on public policy analysis at different levels of government (European, national, regional and local) and its mutual relationships and interactions. It looks at their types, dynamics, external and internal determinants, change and reform, outcomes and its changing contents in issues like economic, social or environmental policies across several countries.

In the context of the Degree in Political Science and Public Administration, this course provides advanced knowledge and analytical resources that will enable students to understand the processes, content and consequences of different policies across countries, their similarities and differences and the impact of European policies in society.

The course also provides a set of basic and general skills useful for academic study and professional activity alike, including the English language, as well as the capacity for analysis and synthesis, application of knowledge to practice, critical reasoning and the search for relevant information. They will help students to achieve their academic goals and develop their professional profile in the context of the UNED’s Degree in Political Science and Public Administration.This applied aspect of the course is reflected in the use of multiple examples and case studies in the readings as well as in the different continuous assessment tests (PREC) through which students can apply their general or conceptual knowledge about public policies to specific issues. In many cases, many of our graduates will become managers or professionals working for governmental or non-governmental organizations.