HPOL5003: Semester 2, 2025

Units HPOL5003 Semester 2 2025 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

HPOL5003: Analysing Health Policy

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Health policy analysis involves examining the components of health policy itself and the health policy process. It is the study of both the causes of policy decisions and their consequences. Accordingly, effective policy analysis requires addressing the complex character of policymaking, and the political, economic, social, cultural and historical context within which this occurs. Through elaborating on systems thinking principles, this unit aims to equip students with the skills to embrace this complexity and consider its inherently political character when undertaking health policy research and analysis. This requires comprehending the multiple, often conflicting factors configuring policymaking, recognising how these shape policy itself, and identifying how they favour the interests of some groups over others. In doing so, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach to familiarise students with the fundamental conceptual frameworks and methodologies that can inform a systemic health policy analysis, and encourage them to think critically about how such insights may be applied to their own professional research activities. By the end of the unit students will be able to: define policy and formulate research questions that can be used to analyse policy and policy processes; understand and apply systems thinking approaches to policy analysis; understand and explain the different methodological approaches and research paradigms that can be applied in policy analysis; apply a critical analysis to a case study of policy success or failure; identify appropriate study designs, research methodologies, data collection methods and analysis frameworks for specific policy research questions; and design a systems thinking-informed analysis of a current policy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Public Health
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	David Primrose, david.primrose@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Research Project Proposal Research Proposal	50%	Formal exam period Due date: 21 Nov 2025 at 23:59	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Assessable Learning Tasks Participation	15%	Multiple weeks	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Case Study Analysis Report	35%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -01	Watch the 'welcome' video, and familiarise yourself with the resources in ‘Modules', 'Discussions', ‘Unit Outline,’ Assessment', and 'Timetable' pages on Canvas	Independent study (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to health policy analysis and systems thinking	Independent study (7 hr)
Week 02	The complex politics of health policy and policy-making	Independent study (7 hr)
Week 02	Workshop 1: Approaching the politics of health policy	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	Overlapping systems and systems thinking	Independent study (7 hr)
Week 04	The effects of health policy: Evaluating success and failure	Independent study (7 hr)
Week 04	Workshop 2: Governing health policy and cui bono?	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Frameworks I: The rational approach	Independent study (7 hr)
Week 06	Frameworks II: The ethical and antagonistic approaches	Independent study (7 hr)
Week 06	Workshop 3: Why theorise? Critically engaging with health policy research	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	SWOT Week (work on A1)	Independent study (7 hr)
Week 08	Frameworks III: The institutional and interpretive approaches	Independent study (7 hr)
Week 08	Workshop 4: The power of frameworks and frameworks of power	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Designing health policy research	Independent study (7 hr)
Week 10	Conventional methods of analysis	Independent study (7 hr)
Week 11	Alternative methods of analysis	Independent study (7 hr)
Week 11	Workshop 5: Formulating research questions for health policy analysis	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Wrap-up	Independent study (7 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

All students are expected to attend their scheduled workshop sessions (evening workshops via Zoom are available for online students).

Please get in touch with the unit coordinator if you are unable to attend your timetabled workshops.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Required readings will be available on the Canvas site.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. define policy and formulate research questions that can be used to analyse policy and policy processes
LO2. apply a critical analysis to questions of policy success or failure
LO3. understand and explain the different methodological approaches that can be applied in policy research
LO4. identify appropriate research methodologies, data collection methods, and analysis for specific policy research questions
LO5. design a systems thinking informed health policy research project

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to student feedback in 2024, we have introduced two amendments this semester. First, greater emphasis is being placed on highlighting how each of the three 'sections' comprising the Unit contribute to a broader narrative about health policy analysis. In addition, the number of 'required' weekly readings has been reduced and further clarification provided about the 'required' v 'recommended' distinction in the reading list. I hope both these amendments will facilitate students' learning in this Unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links