Master of Politics and Public Policy with the degree of Master of Policy and Applied Social Research
PPPA18MTV1
• GPA of 4.50 (out of 7.00)
• Relevant work experience
Part-time: 5 years
| Minimum number of credit points | 80 |
| Minimum number of credit points at 800 level or above | 80 |
| 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
TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM
| AQF Level | Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code | 095119K |
| Overview and Aims of the Program | This double degree develops your understanding of the structure and processes of policy formulation, implementation and evaluation from an Australian perspective, and develops your skills in applied social research and the analysis of policy in social context. The core units of this degree are offered in political science and sociology. The political science core units emphasise the politics surrounding public policy, and the changing landscape of policy making and Australian public policy, and develop a comprehensive understanding of current debates in public policy including evidence-based policy, accountability, federal-state relations, globalisation, policy transfer, political parties and citizen engagement. The sociology core units 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 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: Interpersonal or social capabilities |
| Program Learning Outcomes | By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to: 1. analyse and explain how public policy is formulated, implemented and evaluated using a range of different theories from contemporary public policy literature (K, T) 2. explain how problem definition is affected by political, social, economic, and cultural factors, and identify alternative arguments and positions which are applicable in the given context (K, T, P, J, E) 3. critically analyse the links between evidence and policy decision making in a range of different contexts (K, T, P) 4. investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems and theories related to public policy, apply this to real-world case studies (K, T, P, J) 5. communicate key concepts, arguments, social research and policy information to specialist and non-specialist audiences (K, J, C) 6. apply theories of power, regulation, accountability, integrity and ethics to real-world situations, and identify strengths and weaknesses in current governance practice (T, E, J) 7. plan and undertake in-depth self-directed research and evaluation into a policy problem, applying key concepts, theories and methodologies within the field of public policy, and drawing on a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources (K, T, P) 8. research, prepare and communicate policy recommendations and policy briefs which are well-informed, persuasive and practical (T, P, J, C). 9. assess how to appropriately apply methods to different social research questions (K, T, P) 10. evaluate policies using social research techniques (T, P) 11. design social research tools (T, P, I) 12. undertake quantitative and qualitative social research (T, P, I) 13. apply ethically and socially informed judgements to the use of social research (E, A, J, L) 14. critique the role of social researchers in policy processes (E, A, J, L). The number of PLOs that a program should have is not specified. As a guide, between eight and twelve PLOs would be a reasonable number. PLOs are made publicly available and so will be read by a wide audience. When writing PLOs it is useful to ask "is this written in a way which would be intelligible, accessible and meaningful to our students and prospective students?". Generally speaking, learning outcomes should be expressed in a form that includes action verbs, describing something your students can actually do, and can be assessed to have successfully done, like "identify", "describe" or "differentiate". The AQF asks that PLOs should address the areas of Knowledge and Understanding, Skills and Capabilities, and the Application of Knowledge and Skills. It isn't necessary for each PLO to be classified under one of these headings. However it is important for the overall collection of PLOs for a program to clearly address all of these factors. Each program learning outcome should be mapped to the graduate capabilities it fosters, using the standard letter codes given. |
| Learning and Teaching Methods | This degree program is a postgraduate program which is designed for students who have relevant work experience in policy related fields, and the program builds on this range of experience by creating opportunities for collaboration, reflection and discussion among students, and building networks for learning and inquiry. Students are encouraged to consider their own work-based experiences and share these with fellow students, within an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Furthermore, a number of the assessment tasks are designed to encourage students to apply their study to policy areas in which they already have some familiarity or expertise. 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. There are also opportunities to take a Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) unit 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 International Students |
| 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/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| 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. 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 degree develops skills which are relevant for political and policy-related work in government and non-government organisations, and in businesses with an interest in public policy decision making. Students develop an in-depth knowledge of political and policy processes, and analyse a wide range of current and real-world policies. Students also learn applied research skills and policy knowledge, and have opportunities to work on a project in a work setting. Graduates include public servants in Commonwealth, state and local government, ministerial advisers, parliamentary and electorate staff, lobbyists, and policy advisors in community and advocacy organisations, or work in media, law or government relations. |
| 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. 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: mq.edu.au/policy/ |
| Accreditation | This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification. |
Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or program necessary for a student to successfully achieve the core learning outcomes of a course or program. Students must meet the inherent requirements to complete their Macquarie University course or program.
Inherent requirements for Macquarie University programs fall under the following categories:
Physical: The physical inherent requirement is to have the physical capabilities to safely and effectively perform the activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Cognition: The inherent requirement for cognition is possessing the intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative capabilities to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Communication: The inherent requirement for communication is the capacity to communicate information, thoughts and ideas through a variety of mediums and with a range of audiences.
Behavioural: The behavioural inherent requirement is the capacity to sustain appropriate behaviour over the duration of units of study to engage in activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
For more information see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/inherent-requirements