ObjectivesThe Graduate Certificate in Public Policy is designed to provide a broad introduction to the theory and practice of public policy. As a stand-alone fee-paying course it provides a conceptual and practical framework for individuals wishing to proceed further with careers in public sector or non-government organisations. In this context, it is a basic policy qualification with direct relevance to public sector and non-government operation. As the first step in the Graduate Program in Public Administration, the graduate certificate provides a basic entry point to more advanced studies up to masters level, as well as self-contained mid-career development options. Learning outcomes At the completion of this course students should be able to: * demonstrate a broad understanding of theory and practice of public policy and the process of public policy making; * display an enhanced understanding of the role of public policies in promoting public goods and general welfare of the society; * identify and analyse the complex web of socio-economic, political and environmental forces that shape public policies and their implementation; * demonstrate a broad understanding in policy analysis and ability to engage in informed debates on policy issues and their outcomes.
Entry requirementsApplicants must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. Admission may be granted based on prior work and voluntary experience. This will usually include several years of experience in a public sector or non-government organisation. Admission will be based on the extent to which work or voluntary experience has enabled the applicant to develop an understanding of issues in the public and non-government sectors, and policy and/or analytical skills. Applicants who wish to be admitted on this basis need to provide: * a curriculum vitae; * a description of the roles and activities in work or voluntary positions; * a description of the skills and abilities demonstrated through their work/voluntary experience; and * name(s) of referee(s) who could verify work/voluntary experience. The Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.
Academic titleGraduate Certificate in Public Policy
Course descriptionThe Graduate Certificate in Public Policy is an 18-unit program which is part of the Graduate Program in Public Administration offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences. It requires one semester of full-time study (or equivalent part-time).
The course is offered on a fee-paying basis.
It articulates with the 36-unit Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and three 72-unit masters programs - the Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Administration (Management) and Master of Public Administration (Policy).
Sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three levels.
Students who complete the graduate certificate normally receive credit for up to 18 units of topics should they wish to proceed with the graduate diploma or masters.
PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, a student must complete 18 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study set out below.
Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.
Except with permission of the Faculty Board:
* the program must be completed within three consecutive semesters or, where credit has been granted for previous work, a period determined by the Board;
* no topic may be attempted more than twice.
The award of a grade of Fail (F) in 6 or more units may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.
CORE TOPIC
POAD9010
Public Policy
6
Plus 12 units selected from following:
POAD9027
Economics and Public Policy
6
POAD9033
Urban Policy and Governance
6
POAD9038
Contemporary Issues in Public Policy
6
POAD9109
Action Learning Project (Policy)
6
POAD9114
Critical Systems, Thinking and Practice
6
POAD9116
Regionalism, Decentralisation and Governance
6
POAD9121
Culture and Public Policy
6
POAD9122
Environmental Governance
6
POAD9124
Governance and Public Policy
6
POAD9128
Development Administration
6
SOAD9054
Social Policy M
6
Other elective topics may be approved by the Director of Studies.