The qualification in public policy requires a deep understanding of various components within the field of enquiry. This includes a detailed knowledge of specific areas of inquiry such as policy analysis, implementation, and evaluation. Learners are expected to grasp the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of public policy, as well as understand the interrelationships amongst various areas of the field of knowledge.

Furthermore, learners must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current critical debates in public policy, summarise, compare, and evaluate a substantial body of knowledge, and construct sustained arguments towards solutions. They must also command the conceptual discourse of the field of public policy and develop a clear understanding of the historical and contemporary state, as well as possible future developments, within the disciplinary areas of study.

Moreover, learners are expected to have an appropriate understanding of disciplines such as sociology and political studies, contextualise the study of public policy within the social environment and historical understanding, and demonstrate familiarity with information technology. They should also understand diversity, manage individual study effectively, work efficiently with groups, and present findings both orally and in writing at an appropriate level.

Integrated assessment methods will be employed to ensure that learners achieve the purpose of the qualification. This will include continuous assessment through classwork, dissertations, and examinations following each module. Learners will compile a portfolio of work completed in public policy, demonstrating their ability to apply their studies to real-world projects of policy analysis and implementation. At the Master's qualification level, learners will be expected to complete a short dissertation with both theoretical and applied dimensions.

Overall, learners will be assessed on their ability to solve theoretical and applied problems related to public policy, carry out independent research projects, and adhere to scholarly protocols. Assessment methods will be integrated across module levels to provide a cohesive matrix reflecting learner performance within the qualification as a whole.