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The MPA Group Project is a major experiential component of the programme, enabling students to work as a group on a real-world policy challenge with the support of ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº STEaPP faculty. Each MPA Group will work with a partner organisation that has a genuine need to solve a particular policy challenge. Through experience-based learning that runs over terms 2 and 3 and the summer, students will integrate, apply and deepen the knowledge and skills acquired during the MPA curriculum. The groups will work with the partner to understand the challenge; develop a work plan that includes problem definition and framing; explore and assess options relevant to the problem context; and deliver a final product that meets the partner’s needs and expectations. The MPA Group Project will run for about nine months (equivalent to an individual research thesis in an academic Masters programme). The groups will usually be multidisciplinary and comprise a balance of students with policy/social science and natural science/engineering backgrounds. Over the course of the project, students will sharpen their capability in engaging with teamwork, designing projects, strengthen their data collection and analysis skills, hone their critical thinking, develop their written and oral communication skills, and develop an appreciation of the art of presenting evidence-based knowledge products that address real needs. Overall, the module aims to provide students with the opportunity to integrate the taught portions of the MPA with a relevant problem-solving experience, as well as work constructively in interdisciplinary teams on complex, potentially open-ended projects. The Group Project is the default option for the final project, a major component of ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº STEaPP’s MPA programme, and offers candidates the full MPA experience.Ìý