Program Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Awarding Institution: Banutu Business College
Program Level: Higher National Diploma (HND)
Program Purpose
The HND in Public Policy program is designed to prepare students to understand, analyze, and influence public policy processes at national and international levels. It builds analytical, leadership, and decision-making skills required for work in government, NGOs, and development institutions. Students will gain the knowledge to develop, implement, and evaluate policies that promote social equity, good governance, and sustainable development. The program emphasizes evidence-based policymaking, ethical leadership, and cross-sector collaboration, aligning with The Gambia’s and Africa’s public service transformation goals.
Program Objectives
– Understand the foundations, theories, and processes of public policy formulation and implementation.
– Analyze policy problems using research, data, and evidence-based tools.
– Evaluate public programs and recommend improvements.
– Understand the political, social, and economic contexts of policy decision-making.
– Communicate effectively in professional policy and governance environments.
– Demonstrate leadership, ethics, and accountability in public service.
– Apply technology and data analytics to improve policy design and evaluation.
– Collaborate with stakeholders to promote effective governance and social change.
– Assess international and regional policy frameworks relevant to The Gambia and Africa.
– Develop strategic policy documents and advocacy initiatives for sustainable development.
Key Concepts To Be Learned
– Theories and Models of Public Policy
– Governance and Political Institutions
– Policy Analysis and Design
– Public Administration and Bureaucracy
– Economics for Policy Makers
– Public Finance and Budgeting
– Data Analytics for Public Policy
– Research Methods and Statistics
– Public Sector Ethics and Leadership
– Law, Regulation, and Public Accountability
– Policy Communication and Advocacy
– Globalization, Governance, and Sustainable Development
– Monitoring and Evaluation of Public Programs
– Strategic Decision-Making and Change Management
Program Structure (4 Semesters)
| Year | Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | PPM 101 | Introduction to Public Policy and Governance | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | PPM 102 | Political Science and Public Administration | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | PPM 103 | Leadership, Ethics, and Public Service | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | PPM 104 | Introduction to Economics for Policy Makers | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | PPM 105 | Communication and Report Writing | 2 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | PPM 106 | Computer Applications for Policy Analysis | 2 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | PPM 201 | Theories and Models of Public Policy | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | PPM 202 | Research Methods and Statistics for Policy | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | PPM 203 | Public Finance and Budgeting | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | PPM 204 | Law, Governance, and Public Accountability | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | PPM 205 | Policy Analysis and Design | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | PPM 206 | Development Administration and Planning | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | PPM 301 | Public Sector Management and Reform | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | PPM 302 | Data Analytics and Evidence-Based Policy | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | PPM 303 | Globalization, Governance, and Development | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | PPM 304 | Monitoring and Evaluation of Public Programs | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | PPM 305 | Field Practicum / Internship | 4 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | PPM 401 | Comparative Public Policy and International Relations | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | PPM 402 | Policy Advocacy and Strategic Communication | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | PPM 403 | Sustainable Development Policy and Innovation | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | PPM 404 | Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | PPM 405 | Capstone Project / Policy Research Thesis | 4 |
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program will be prepared for positions such as:
– Policy Analyst
– Government Relations Officer
– Program Evaluation Specialist
– Public Administration Officer
– NGO or Development Program Manager
– Research and Data Analyst
– Legislative Assistant / Policy Advisor
– Advocacy and Public Affairs Coordinator
– Strategic Planner or Consultant
– Governance and Transparency Specialist
Progression Pathway
Graduates may continue to a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, or Development Studies, or pursue advanced certifications such as:
– Certified Public Manager (CPM)
– Project Management Professional (PMP)
– Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Certificate
– Leadership in Public Policy (Harvard / African Leadership Institute)