Objectives
This course focuses upon the formulation and implementation of public policy, and the problems of governance within democratic polities. Students will be encouraged to understand the close relations between government, the private sector and community organisations, and also the links between different levels of government (municipal, state, national, and international). Particular attention is given to the practical challenges posed by the normative requirements of democracy. The emphasis upon democratic governance within multiple contexts (horizontal and vertical) distinguishes the course from traditional public policy studies, which concentrate primarily upon vertical governance within the public sector. Units in the course are grouped under five headings: public policy, government relations, community development, and local governance. In most units, a comparative approach is employed that situates Australian experiences within a wider global context.
Course description
Off campus studies
International students can only undertake off-campus study while living overseas. Due to visa regulations, off-campus units are not available to international students studying in Australia, unless it is in addition to their full-time on-campus study mode.
Fees and charges
Fee paying place - International (IFP)
A Fee paying place is one for which the university does not receive any government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute the full cost of their course.
Fees for international students apply to persons living in Australia with Temporary Resident status, provided that there is no limitation on study and persons living abroad who are not Australian citizens and do not have Permanent Resident status in Australia.
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
* The 'indicative annual course fee' cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2009, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2009 can be viewed at http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/handbooks2009/search.php.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on 'indicative course fees' to calculate the total future cost of their course.
Career opportunities
The courses are designed as professional development programs for early or mid-career professionals or for those involved in or, seeking to become involved in, policy making and management within the public , community and business sectors, domestically and internationally.
Course rules
To qualify for the award of Master of Politics and Policy, a student must successfully complete 12 credit points of study comprising:
* 2 credit points of compulsory core units; and
* 10 credit points of electives selected from the specified list of units listed below
Specialisations
To qualify for a Specialisation within the Master of Politics and Policy, a student must successfully complete 12 credit points of study comprising:
* 2 credit points of compulsory core units; and
* 10 credit points of electives selected from the specified list of units below, including at least 4 credit points from a specialisation
Specialisations are available in the following areas:
Public Policy
Global Politics
Government Relations
Local Governance
Community Development
Students who complete a specialisation of four (4) credit points will have the specialisation indicated on their academic transcript.
Course structure
Core units
Trimester 1
AIP773 Governance and Accountability
Trimester 2
AIP746 Democratic Governance
Electives
Select 10 credit points from the following list of electives:
Trimester 1
AIP745 Comparative Local Governance
AIP752 Policy Studies Research Project
AIP773 Governance and Accountability
AIP775 Contracting and Public Private Partnerships
ALR782 Public Affairs and Opinion Formation
ASD704 Community Development Theory and Practice A
ASD711 Needs Assessment and Strategic Planning
Trimester 2
AIA718 Planning Theory, Urban Governance and the Law
AIP717 Government and Business
AIP747 Policy and Program Evaluation
AIP748 Central-Local Relations *
AIP749 Internship
AIP774 Public Management
AIP777 Accountability and Corporate Social Responsibility
ASD705 Community Development Theory and Practice B
ASD712 Monitoring and Evaluation
HSH724 Local Action for Healthy Cities and Communities
Trimester 1 or trimester 3
AIP740 Public Policy Analysis
* Not offered in 2009, offered in 2010
Admission requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicants previous academic record. The minimum requirements are successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from an approved university or other educational institution or successful completion of other equivalent qualifications gained by examination, or approved professional or industrial experience. International students must also meet the English language requirements.
Advanced standing - general
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for advanced standing. You will need to provide your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your advanced standing.
Your advanced standing is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
How to apply
* Applicant Portal: Use our online application system to submit and track your application now.
* Apply through a Deakin International office: Fill out an application form and submit it to a Deakin International office.
* Apply through a Deakin representative: Take your application form to your preferred agent for assistance.
Tracking your application:
If you have already applied and wish to enquire about your application please refer to the relevant area through which you originally applied.
* If you applied online, log back into the Applicant Portal using your username and password.
* If you applied through a Deakin representative please contact your representative.
* If you applied through a Deakin International office please contact that office.
Alternate exits
Graduate Certificate of Politics and Policy (A516)
Graduate Diploma of Politics and Policy (A616)
