Policy Studies

Coursework

This master's level policy course would be of particular interest to policy practitioners, educators and human service providers in the human service fields of education, social and community services, and health. The course is also offered at graduate diploma and graduate certificate levels.

The course aims to equip students with conceptual skills required for practical policy analysis and policy development in educational and social and community services domains. The course will have a strong focus on policy practice for policy professionals and service workers in non-government human services organisations.

Outcomes

At the conclusion of the designated degree, students should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the theory and practice in the discipline of social policy and the field of policy studies.
• analyse and interpret government and non-government policies and social programs using a range of analytic strategies and research methods.
• communicate arguments for social policy reform and critiques of existing social policies to both a general and a specialist audience, and will have developed specialist policy writing and communication skills required to participate in policy making.
• apply analytical skills in assessing the potential and limitations of various policies, including their consequences for diverse social groups, and be able to communicate their findings effectively for a general audience.
• apply policy theories, principles and methods to work and research in other relevant disciplinary communities and will draw upon theories and practices from other disciplinary communities in their policy analysis, policy development and policy advocacy.
• develop frameworks and processes for assessing values and ethics in policy making and policy analysis, and suggest implications of policy for individuals and communities.
• communicate arguments for social policy reform and critiques of existing social policies to both a general and a specialist audience, and will have developed specialist policy writing and communication skills required to participate in policy making.

Awards and requirements

Master of Policy Studies
To qualify for the award of Master of Policy Studies, candidates must complete 8 units of study (48 credit points), comprising:

• a minimum of 2 units (12 credit points) of core units; and
• a minimum of 1 unit (6 credit points) of capstone units; plus
• a maximum of 5 units (30 credit points) of elective units; including
  a maximum of 2 units (12 credit points) of postgraduate approved units from another faculty.

A capstone unit is completed in the last semester of the award course. It provides an opportunity to integrate ideas and understandings drawn from units of study taken in the course. The capstone is a compulsory requirement and is undertaken by completing a special project, authorised independent study or a dissertation with an upper limit of 12,000 words.

Students who intend on undertaking a higher degree by research (MPhil, PhD, Doctor of Education or Doctor of Social Work) in future, should enrol in the Dissertation option (please note that entry requirements apply for this unit of study – consult your Course Coordinator for further details).

Graduate Diploma in Policy Studies
To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma in Policy Studies, candidates must complete 6 units of study (36 credit points), comprising:

• a minimum of 2 units (12 credit points) of core units; and
• a maximum of 4 units (24 credit points) of elective units; including a minimum of 3 units (18 credit points) elective units from the table below and
• a maximum of 1 unit (6 credit points) of postgraduate approved units from another faculty.

Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies, candidates must complete 4 units of study (24 credit points), comprising

• a minimum of 2 units (12 credit points) of core units; and
• a maximum of 2 units (12 credit points) of elective units from the table below.

Contact

Associate Professor Susan Goodwin
Phone: 02 9351 3282
Location: Room 536, Education Building, A35
Email: