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MA in General at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is General at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Dehradun?
This MA Public Policy program at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies focuses on equipping students with analytical and managerial skills for policy analysis, design, and implementation. It addresses critical societal challenges by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications, relevant to India''''s dynamic socio-economic landscape and its evolving governance structures. The program aims to create professionals capable of contributing to public sector reforms and development initiatives.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any stream seeking entry into governance, civil services, NGOs, think tanks, or corporate social responsibility roles. It also benefits working professionals looking to upskill in policy analysis or transition into public sector consulting. Graduates with an interest in social impact, economic development, and administrative reforms will find this program particularly suitable, preparing them for leadership roles in policymaking.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in government agencies, non-profit organizations, international development institutions, and policy research think tanks. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-25 LPA. Growth trajectories include roles like Policy Analyst, Program Manager, Consultant, and Researchers. The program also aligns with preparations for competitive examinations like UPSC civil services.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering quantitative and qualitative research methods introduced in early semesters. Regularly practice data analysis using statistical software and develop strong critical thinking for policy evaluation. Engage with case studies on Indian public policies to understand real-world application.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, Microsoft Excel for data analysis, NPTEL courses on research methods, UPES library resources for policy case studies
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills are fundamental for policy research and evaluation, directly enhancing employability for roles as policy analysts or researchers in government and private organizations.
Develop Robust Policy Writing & Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to honing policy brief writing, report generation, and presentation skills. Actively participate in class discussions and present findings effectively. Seek feedback on written assignments and strive for clarity and conciseness in all communications, crucial for engaging with policymakers.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Hemingway App for writing refinement, Toastmasters International for public speaking practice, UPES writing center for academic support
Career Connection
Effective communication is vital for influencing policy decisions and disseminating research findings, essential for roles in advocacy, public relations, and administrative positions.
Engage with Indian Constitutional & Governance Frameworks- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, deep dive into the Indian Constitution, parliamentary procedures, and administrative structures. Follow current affairs related to governance, judicial pronouncements, and legislative reforms. Attend webinars or workshops on contemporary Indian public administration.
Tools & Resources
PRS Legislative Research website, The Hindu/Indian Express editorials, Lok Sabha TV discussions, Official government reports
Career Connection
A thorough understanding of India''''s governance landscape is indispensable for roles in civil services, policy think tanks, and government liaison, enabling informed decision-making.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Applied Policy Internships- (Semester 3 (or summer break before Semester 3))
Actively seek and complete internships with government ministries, policy research institutions, NGOs, or consulting firms during the third semester. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in policy formulation, implementation, or evaluation, applying the theoretical knowledge acquired. Network with professionals and contribute to real-world projects.
Tools & Resources
UPES Career Services portal, LinkedIn for professional networking, Government internship portals and reputed think tank websites
Career Connection
Internships provide critical practical exposure, build a professional network, and are often a direct pathway to pre-placement offers or full-time employment in the policy domain.
Specialize through Electives & Advanced Research- (Semester 3)
Thoughtfully choose elective courses in Semester 3 that align with specific career interests, such as urban policy, environmental governance, or technology policy. Engage deeply in projects and research papers within these electives, perhaps collaborating with faculty on current Indian policy issues.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors for guidance on elective choices, UPES research centers and relevant policy journals
Career Connection
Specialization builds concentrated expertise, making graduates highly attractive to niche roles and organizations focused on specific policy areas, enhancing competitive advantage and career clarity.
Participate in Policy Competitions & Workshops- (Semester 3)
Join policy analysis competitions, hackathons, or intensive workshops focused on contemporary public policy challenges in India. This hones critical thinking, analytical presentation, and collaborative problem-solving skills under pressure, demonstrating practical application of learning.
Tools & Resources
UPES student clubs (e.g., debate societies, public policy forums), External policy challenge platforms like India Policy Forum
Career Connection
Participation demonstrates proactive engagement and enhances a candidate''''s profile, showcasing leadership and practical problem-solving abilities highly desired by recruiters in policy and governance sectors.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Capstone Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the dissertation or capstone project in the final semester. Choose a topic with high relevance to current Indian policy discourse or a specific organizational need. Focus on rigorous methodology, data analysis, and developing actionable policy recommendations.
Tools & Resources
Academic supervisors, Statistical software (e.g., R, Python), Specialized databases, UPES research ethics guidelines
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a powerful portfolio piece, showcasing independent research capabilities and expertise, critical for research roles, consulting, and higher academic pursuits.
Proactive Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with the university''''s placement cell from the beginning of the final year. Attend workshops on resume building, interview skills, and group discussions tailored for policy-sector roles. Network with alumni working in desired fields and participate in mock interviews.
Tools & Resources
UPES Placement Cell, Online platforms like LinkedIn, Naukri.com, Alumni network contacts
Career Connection
Timely and strategic placement preparation significantly increases the chances of securing desirable employment opportunities immediately after graduation in government, think tanks, or NGOs.
Cultivate Professional Network & Mentorship- (Throughout Semesters 3-4, intensifying in Semester 4)
Beyond formal placements, consistently expand your professional network by attending policy conferences, seminars, and alumni events. Seek out mentors in your chosen policy domain for guidance on career trajectory, skill development, and industry insights in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn groups for policy professionals, UPES alumni portal, Industry association events (e.g., ASSOCHAM, FICCI policy committees)
Career Connection
A strong professional network opens doors to hidden opportunities, provides invaluable career advice, and can lead to long-term collaborations and career advancement in the Indian policy ecosystem.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Students should have a minimum of 50% marks in their 10th & 12th examination & a minimum of 50% marks in Graduation in any stream.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 90 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAPP5001 | Introduction to Public Policy | Core | 4 | Policy definition and scope, Public policy cycle, Actors and institutions in policymaking, Key policy analysis frameworks, Overview of public policy in India |
| LAPP5002 | Quantitative Techniques for Public Policy | Core | 4 | Data collection and measurement, Descriptive and inferential statistics, Hypothesis testing, Regression analysis, Introduction to statistical software |
| LAPP5003 | Indian Constitution & Political System | Core | 4 | Constitutional principles and values, Structure and functioning of Indian government, Federalism and decentralization, Role of political parties and civil society, Judiciary and constitutional amendments |
| LAPP5004 | Public Economics & Finance | Core | 4 | Role of government in economy, Public expenditure and revenue, Taxation and budget analysis, Fiscal policy and debt management, Economic reforms and development |
| LAPP5005 | Research Methods & Policy Writing | Core | 4 | Research design and formulation, Qualitative and quantitative data analysis, Ethical considerations in research, Structure of policy reports and briefs, Effective communication of policy findings |
| LAPP5006 | Professional & Communication Skills | Core | 4 | Verbal and non-verbal communication, Presentation and public speaking skills, Interpersonal communication and teamwork, Professional ethics and etiquette, Conflict resolution and negotiation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAPP5007 | Ethics & Governance | Core | 4 | Ethical theories in public policy, Principles of good governance, Accountability and transparency, Combating corruption and integrity, Citizen-centric administration |
| LAPP5008 | Public Administration & Management | Core | 4 | Theories of public administration, Bureaucracy and organizational structure, Public sector reforms and management, Human resource management in government, Service delivery and e-governance |
| LAPP5009 | International Relations & Foreign Policy | Core | 4 | Theories of international relations, Global governance and international organizations, India''''s foreign policy objectives, Diplomacy and strategic alliances, Contemporary global challenges |
| LAPP5010 | Social Policy & Development | Core | 4 | Poverty and inequality in India, Education policy and reforms, Health policy and public health, Social welfare and inclusion programs, Human development indicators |
| LAPP5011 | Policy Implementation & Evaluation | Core | 4 | Challenges in policy implementation, Monitoring and feedback mechanisms, Program evaluation methodologies, Impact assessment techniques, Stakeholder engagement in evaluation |
| LAPP5012 | Design Thinking & Innovation in Public Policy | Core | 4 | Principles of design thinking, Innovation strategies in public sector, Human-centered policy design, Prototyping and testing policy solutions, Fostering a culture of innovation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAPP6001 | Urban & Regional Planning | Elective | 4 | Theories of urbanization, Smart city initiatives in India, Regional development strategies, Urban governance and infrastructure, Sustainable urban planning |
| LAPP6002 | Environmental Policy & Sustainability | Elective | 4 | Climate change and environmental governance, Natural resource management policies, Sustainable development goals, Pollution control and waste management, Environmental impact assessment |
| LAPP6003 | Science, Technology & Innovation Policy | Elective | 4 | Role of science and technology in development, Innovation ecosystems and policy, Digital transformation and governance, Data privacy and cybersecurity policy, Ethics of emerging technologies |
| LAPP6004 | Law & Public Policy | Elective | 4 | Constitutional law and policy, Administrative law and regulation, Judicial review and policy impact, Human rights law and public interest litigation, Legal framework for public services |
| LAPP6005 | Disaster Management & Humanitarian Response | Elective | 4 | Risk assessment and vulnerability analysis, Disaster preparedness and mitigation, Emergency response and coordination, Post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation, Humanitarian aid and international cooperation |
| LAPP6006 | Public-Private Partnerships | Elective | 4 | Models and types of PPPs, Financing and risk allocation in PPPs, Contract management and regulation, Challenges and benefits of PPPs, Case studies of successful PPPs in India |
| LAPP6007 | Internship/Field Project | Core | 4 | Practical application of policy concepts, Field research and data collection, Organizational structure and functioning, Report writing and presentation of findings, Addressing real-world policy challenges |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAPP6008 | Dissertation/Project | Core | 10 | Advanced research methodology, Literature review and conceptual framework, Data analysis and interpretation, Thesis writing and academic argumentation, Presentation and defense of research |
| LAPP6009 | Public Policy Capstone Project | Core | 8 | Problem identification and definition, Policy alternatives and analysis, Stakeholder engagement and feasibility, Policy brief and recommendation development, Project implementation and presentation |
