Program Overview
This executive education program from King's College London delves into the intricacies of parliaments and legislatures, equipping mid-career professionals with the knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges faced by parliamentary staff. Through a blend of online learning and weekly webinars, participants gain insights into parliamentary functions, roles, and career paths, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among a global cohort.
Program Outline
Advanced Parliamentary Theory and Practice: A Detailed Extraction
Degree Overview
Purpose:
This executive education program delves into the intricacies of parliaments and legislatures, focusing on their functions, challenges, and effectiveness.
Target Audience:
Mid-career professionals, typically with a 2:1 degree and 3 years of relevant experience. Applicants without a 2:1 can apply with 5+ years of experience.
Objectives:
- Equip participants to anticipate and address real-world challenges faced by parliamentary staff.
- Enhance their ability to assess and utilize relevant models in their professional tasks.
- Critically analyze the challenges of parliamentary officials' roles, balancing competing demands from political sources with their own duties.
- Evaluate how officials can support institutional functions, adapt to new work formats, and apply acquired skills and knowledge.
Program Description:
The program offers a blend of online learning resources, including interactive discussions, readings, lectures, and tutorials, alongside three weekly webinars led by King's faculty. Participants engage with a global cohort of peers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Outline
Program Content:
- Week 1: The foundations, context, and makeup of Parliament.
- Week 2: The role of parliamentary officials.
- Week 3: Parliamentary officials: roles and careers.
Structure:
- Fully online delivery with three 1-hour weekly webinars.
- Interactive learning activities and resources.
- Opportunity to participate in discussions and forums.
Individual Modules:
- Week 1: Explores the purpose of Parliament, its institutions, structures, and relationships. Examines the roles and needs of political members, considering the balance between partisanship and official objectivity.
- Week 2: Focuses on the diverse roles of parliamentary officials, including policy and financial scrutiny, legislative processes, research services, and logistical support.
- Week 3: Centers on personal development and relationship management within the parliamentary environment. It explores career structures, transferable skills, and adaptation to new work formats.
Outcomes:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Analyze and respond to challenges faced by parliamentary staff.
- Apply relevant models in their parliamentary tasks.
- Critically analyze the challenges of their roles and balance competing demands.
- Evaluate how to support institutional functions, adapt to new work formats, and utilize acquired skills and knowledge.
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
- One written assignment.
- Active participation in webinars and discussion forums.
Assessment Criteria:
- Understanding of key concepts and theories.
- Application of knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Effective communication and argumentation.
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
- Interactive online learning environment.
- Weekly webinars with King's faculty.
- Collaborative discussion forums and group activities.
Faculty:
- Dr. Andrew Blick: Senior Lecturer in Politics and Contemporary History, Head of the Department of Political Economy, Director of the Centre for British Politics and Government.
- Dr. Olga Siemers: Senior Lecturer in Public Policy.
Unique Approach:
- The program leverages a diverse global cohort, fostering cross-cultural learning and knowledge exchange.
- Emphasis on practical application of theoretical concepts to real-world parliamentary challenges.
- Focus on personal development and career advancement for parliamentary officials.
Careers
Career Paths:
The program prepares graduates for diverse roles within parliamentary institutions, including research, policy analysis, legislative support, and administration.
Career Opportunities:
Graduates are equipped to pursue leadership positions within parliamentary offices, political parties, and international organizations.
Career Outcomes:
The program enhances graduates' employability and career prospects within the parliamentary field.
Module Creator:
Dr. Andrew Blick.
Course Status:
Currently closed.
Contact:
isfg-programmes-team@kcl.ac.uk
Entry Requirements:
The Advanced Parliamentary Theory and Practice course has specific entry requirements for both UK/EU and international students.
UK/EU Students:
- A 2:1 degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.
- 3 years of relevant work experience.
International Students (non-EU):
- A 2:1 degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.
- Typically 5+ years of relevant work experience.
- Applicants without a 2:1 degree may be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly if they have extensive relevant work experience. However, it is stated that students can demonstrate their English language proficiency through various English language tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
