Graduate Diploma of Politics and Public Policy
POPP19DPV1
• GPA of 4.00 (out of 7.00) or overseas equivalent
| Minimum number of credit points | 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
TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM
| AQF Level | Level 8 Graduate Diploma |
| CRICOS Code | 083766M |
| Overview and Aims of the Program | The Graduate Diploma of Politics and Public Policy develops your understanding of the structure and processes of policy formulation, implementation and evaluation from an Australian perspective. The units of this degree are offered within the context of political science. The degree emphasises the politics surrounding public policy, and the changing landscape of policy making and Australian public policy. It develops an understanding of current debates in public policy including evidence-based policy, accountability, and policy transfer and examines how policies change. |
| 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) 3. explain the links between evidence and policy decision making in a range of different contexts (K, T, P) 4. identify and investigate information, problems and theories related to public policy, and apply these to real-world case studies (K, T, P, J) 5. communicate key concepts and arguments 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. research, prepare and communicate policy recommendations and policy briefs which are well-informed, persuasive and practical (T, P, J, C) 8. research issues in public policy under direction, applying concepts, theories and methodologies within the field of public policy and drawing on a range of sources (K, T, P). |
| 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. Most units in this program consist of formal lectures which are recorded for external students. Each unit uses learning technologies to encourage collaboration, debate and discussion between students and teaching staff. Internal students attend weekly seminars in which they participate in discussion, small group work, and learning activities designed to consolidate learning from readings and lectures, and assist in the application of theory and knowledge to contemporary and historical real-world situations. Learning activities include problem-based learning exercises, debates, critique, role play and discussion based on video or written stimulation. These learning activities are also provided to external students at the compulsory on-campus sessions which are held on two weekends over the semester. All units will develop skills in research and analysis of complex information, and will require you to digest and critique a wide range of materials and develop original and well-supported arguments and policy recommendations. You will also develop high-level communication skills, using a variety of media and techniques to communicate with peers, staff, and policy professionals. There is an optional Internship unit in this program which is an extended placement in a host organisation working on a policy-related project. This is an opportunity for you to develop and apply your skills and knowledge related to the policy process in a real-world setting, working under supervision. Students will also be offered opportunities to meet and network with fellow students and alumni at regular seminars and departmental events, expanding on program learning in debates and discussion around contemporary real-world issues and policy problems. |
| Assessment | This program is designed to develop and assess a range of skills and capabilities which are relevant to policy work of all kinds. Assessment tasks are varied across and within units to allow you to develop and refine your skills and knowledge throughout the degree, and to build a portfolio of a diverse selection of policy-related work. All units allow you to develop expertise in specific and varied aspects of public policy. All assessment is based on individual effort, and clear guidelines and marking criteria for each unit are provided in the unit guide. The program includes formative and summative assessment in order to assist your development during the unit. A wide range of assessment tasks are used across the degree program, including: • documentary analysis • comparative analysis • research essay • policy brief • persuasive writing for a range of audiences • project report • quizzes and short answer tests • policy design and analysis • research design and development of research proposal • oral presentation • literature review • learning journals • groupwork and participation. |
| 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. Information can be found at: https://mq.edu.au/rpl |
| 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. |
| 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 Graduate Diploma 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 current and real-world policies. Students develop practical skills in researching and analysing policy in a range of policy areas. This program develops skills and knowledge which are relevant for employment in policy-related roles in the public service, ministerial offices, non-government and community organisations, and government relations, as well as policy-related work in the 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. |
| 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