| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
083805J |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
This degree develops your skills in applied social research and the analysis of policy in social context. The core units, provided through the Department of Sociology, focus on designing and conducting applied research, on the evaluation process, and on understanding and analysing policy in the fields of social policy and human services. Electives offer allow students to focus on other areas of social research and policy including migration, human rights, sustainable development, public policy and cross-cultural communication. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. explain key processes through which social policy is developed (K, C)
2. assess how to appropriately apply methods to different social research questions (K, T, P)
3. compare and critique different policy designs (K, T, E)
4. evaluate policies using social research techniques (T, P)
5. design social research tools (T, P, I)
6. undertake quantitative and qualitative social research (T, P, I)
7. apply ethically and socially informed judgements to the use of social research (E, A, J, L)
8. assess social policy from an interdisciplinary perspective (K, T, P)
9. communicate policy information and social research to professional and academic audiences (C, J)
10. critique the role of social researchers in policy processes (E, A, J, L). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
The degree assists students to develop a range of social research, analytic, evaluative and communications skills and to critically apply their knowledge to real world problems.
A unique feature of the degree is its applied focus. Students engage directly in social research, developing social research instruments, applying those instruments in the field and evaluating results.
Students will develop a range of communication skills. This includes traditional academic writing skills, presentation skills and report and policy based writing. This reflects a pedagogy grounded in praxis, where theoretical knowledge is informed by contemporary experience, and can then inform action in a specific social context of social research and policy.
Most units involve lecture and tutorial classes, or seminars, however there are also opportunities to take Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) units as part of the degree. |
| Assessment |
Assessments are based exclusively on the submission and presentation of individual and group coursework. The applied nature of the program involves a range of assessment modes, including individual written assignments, exams, group discussions, presentations, research design, report writing and policy analysis.
The coursework is designed to develop and assess your cognitive, research, interpersonal and critical capabilities. There is an emphasis on critical and creative thinking and independent research. Assessments also develop skills in professional and ethical judgement, as well as clear written and oral communication. A unique feature of the program is its focus on practical social research skills, and this is reflected in tasks to design and execute research as well as analysing, evaluating and reporting policy information.
All courses involve independent, research based learning and application of theoretical knowledge to policy issues. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic Students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International Students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl undefined |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/wellbeing |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
The Masters equips students with skills and knowledge sought after in government and non-government agencies, and private research organisations, including consultancies. Students learn applied research skills and policy knowledge, and have opportunities to work on a project in a work setting. Students generally enter research, policy, advocacy and social service related roles. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
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