The theoretical aspects of the course focus on the interaction between three different dimensions of analysis: norms, institutions, and actors. The course studies the way in which actors make decisions, attempt to govern the system and influence outcomes. Secondly, it studies the way in which norms and institutions both limit and enable the behaviour of actors.

Two analytical problems are paid special attention in the course:

How does governance take place in public sector policy-making? Various decision-making models and instruments of control are highlighted.

What roles do democracy and power play? The possibilities for citizens and actors representing citizens to exercise influence over the policy-making process are examined.

Addressing both these issues demands an understanding of different scientific approaches. The course therefore examines a set of theoretical perspectives from different philosophies of science, methods and concepts that are applicable to research on policy-making processes.

The empirical and the more practical elements of the course are based on a number of cases taking the form of research proposals. They focus on policy-making processes in three different policy areas:  security, health and environmental protection. The aim of case studies is to enable students to identify similarities and dissimilarities between how public policy-making takes place in different areas of the public sector.