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Graduate Diploma of Policy and Applied Social Research

POSR22DV3

Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Award:
Graduate Diploma of Policy and Applied Social Research (GradDipPASR)
Admission Requirement:
Australian level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with GPA of 4.50 (out of 7.00); or Australian level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent in relevant field with GPA of 4.00 (out of 7.00)
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent
Study Mode:
Full-time, Part-time
Attendance Mode:
Internal
Candidature Length:
Full-time: 0.5 years - 1 year
Commencement:
North Ryde — Session 1 (February)
North Ryde — Session 2 (July)
Volume of Learning:
Equivalent to 1 year
General requirements:
Minimum number of credit points at 800 level or above 32
Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below

In order to graduate students must ensure that they have satisfied all of the general requirements of the award.

Specific minimum requirements:

Credit points

800 level

Required
either
or
 
Developing Social Policy (4)
 
SOC810
4
Evaluation and the Policy Process (4)
 
SOC818
Required
either
or
 
Doing Social Survey Research (4)
 
SOC830
4
Qualitative Methods (4)
 
SOC831
Required
12cp from
 
Developing Social Policy (4)
 
SOC810
 
Evaluation and the Policy Process (4)
 
SOC818
 
Activism and Policy Design (4)
 
SOC825
 
Doing Social Survey Research (4)
 
SOC830
 
Qualitative Methods (4)
 
SOC831
 
Professional Internships in Social Research (4)
 
SOC849
 
Social Care and Human Services (4)
 
SOC863
 
Political Economy for Social Policy and Research (4)
 
SOC865
 
Work and Employment (4)
 
SOC866
 
Sociology of Institutions and Organisations (4)
 
SOCI821
12
Advanced Quantitative Methods (4)
 
SOCI832
Required
12cp from
 
Applied Anthropology: Why Does Culture Matter? (4)
 
ANTH800
 
Race, Nation and Ethnicity (4)
 
ANTH805
 
Development Theory and Practice (4)
 
ANTH815
 
Culture, Health and Disease (4)
 
ANTH816
 
Anthropology of Human Rights and Intervention (4)
 
ANTH818
 
Indigenous Interests and Identities (4)
 
ANTH821
 
Economics of Public Issues (4)
 
ECON853
 
Social Impact Assessment and Cross Cultural Negotiation (4)
 
GEOP802
 
Globalisation and Sustainable Development (4)
 
GEOP809
 
Urban Social Impact Assessment (4)
 
GEOP812
 
Public Management and Governance (4)
 
POIR823
 
Comparative Public Policy (4)
 
POL802
 
Politics and Policy: Theory and Applications (4)
 
POL820
 
Case Studies in Politics and Policy (4)
 
POL821
 
Health Policy (4)
 
POL825
 
Gender and Policy (4)
 
POL826
 
Public Policy and International Law (4)
 
POL827
 
Political Parties and Policy (4)
 
POL831
 
Intergovernmental Relations (4)
 
POL833
 
Accountability (4)
 
POL836
 
Politics of Communications Policy (4)
 
POL856
 
Activism and Policy Design (4)
 
SOC825
 
Professional Internships in Social Research (4)
 
SOC849
 
Social Care and Human Services (4)
 
SOC863
 
Political Economy for Social Policy and Research (4)
 
SOC865
 
Work and Employment (4)
 
SOC866
 
Sociology of Institutions and Organisations (4)
 
SOCI821
12
Advanced Quantitative Methods (4)
 
SOCI832

TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM

32
Program Learning Outcomes and Additional Information
AQF Level Level 8 Graduate Diploma
CRICOS Code 084530A
Overview and Aims of the Program The program delivers a broad selection of specific policy and research units, providing students with skills sought after in public, non-government and private research agencies.
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 either qualitative or quantitative methods to selected social research questions (K, T, P)
3. compare and critique different policy designs (K, T, E)
4. explain key aspects of social policy development processes (T, P)
5. explain and understand social research tools (T, P)
6. apply ethically and socially informed judgements to the use of social research (E, A)
7. communicate sociological concepts effectively to academic audiences (C)
8. reflect on the role of social researchers in policy processes (E, A)
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

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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 This program is designed for those seeking to enter, or to advance their careers within, public, non-government and private research and policy agencies. It provides qualitative and quantitative research skills and policy knowledge tailored to social research and social policy applications.
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.

2017 Unit Information

When offered:
S1 Day
Prerequisites:
Permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
Corequisites:
None
NCCWs:
HSC Chinese, CHN113, CHN148