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
Fees and charges
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.
Fee paying place - Domestic (DFP)
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.
Fee paying places are available to domestic students. Domestic students are those who are Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of a permanent visa.
*Indicative course fees should be used as a guide only. Deakin University assumes no responsibility for persons relying on indicative course fees to calculate the total future cost of their course. The indicative course fee is an estimate based on a typical enrolment a student may have for their first year of study in 2009 for their course. The indicative course fee is based on historical first year enrolments within the course, reflecting the discipline cluster of the units which may be studied within the course. The actual fees charged will depend on the individual units chosen. The cost of each unit 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 services.
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 applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide
Admission requirements - specific
To be eligible for admission into the Master of Arts Politics and Policy applicants require a bachelor degree from an approved tertiary institution or equivalent:
* a bachelor degree from an approved tertiary institution; or
* qualifications deemed to be equivalent.
Advanced standing - general
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Advanced standing - specific
Applications for advanced standing will be considered depending on the quality and subject matter of the student's prior qualifications and professional experience.
The Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and the Master of Politics and Policy comprise a suite of fully articulated courses. Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Politics and Policy will lead to admission into either the Graduate Diploma of Politics and Policy or the Master of Politics and Policy with up to 4 credit points of advanced standing. Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Politics and Policy will lead to admission into the Master of Politics and Policy with up to 8 credit points of advanced standing.
How to apply
Applications must be made directly to the university through the Applicant Portal referring to closing dates for applications as dates for particular courses may vary.
Your faculty may require further information from you when submitting your application. Please refer to the faculty information website for further details.
Alternate exits
Graduate Certificate of Politics and Policy (A516)
Graduate Diploma of Politics and Policy (A616)
