Policy Studies

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.

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.

Capstone experience

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.

Course convenor

Dr Margaret Spencer
Phone 02 9351 1930
Room 729, Education Building, A35
Email