This module is practical in nature, offering the chance to analyse real-life case studies from the Global South and Global North, and understand how to research these – for example using OSINT (Open Source Intelligence). You will also explore how case studies can be used in campaigning and evidence-based policy making.

The module content draws on the expertise of practitioners in business, international development, civil society, investigative journalism, law enforcement and the intelligence services.

Module Lead: Professor Robert Barrington

What you’ll learn

At the heart of anti-corruption policy making and advocating for policy change, whether in the public or private sector, lies an understanding of how corruption takes place in practice, the impact of corruption, and what can and has been done to tackle it.

In this module, you will learn how to take a case of corruption, research it, analyse it and come to conclusions about how it happened and what might be done to avoid it in the future.

You will do that systematically, using a template developed by the Centre for the Study of Corruption (CSC). This will help you understand how to build a case-based analysis that can be an important foundation stone in advocating for change, campaigning and evidence-based policy making.

The module tutor will work with you to select a case study subject that fits your interests and works well with our systematic approach. Students select case study subjects from all round the world, from global business to international development, local authorities to rogue politicians.

By the end of the module, you’ll be able to:

  • integrate theories, concepts and approaches from across the course to craft a targeted, well-researched, well-structured case study
  • use the skills you gain to undertake a systematic critical analysis of any case of corruption.

Types of assessment may include:

  • a policy paper (30%) – you’ll aim to persuade a public policymaker to support new anti-bribery legislation drawing on specific cases of bribery to illustrate your argument
  • a case study (70%) – you’ll use the CSC case study template to analyse a case of your choice.