Graduate Diploma of Politics and Policy
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Diploma of Politics and Policy |
| Course Credit Points | 8 |
| Deakin course code | A602 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2020 onwards |
| Campus | This course is an exit only option from A702 Master of Politics and Policy |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
Course sub-headings
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma of Politics and Policy emphasises a dual focus on politics and public policy and offers a wide range of core units and elective units to appeal to public sector, business, NGO and community sector managers and leaders, and those wishing to acquire new skills.
Core units explore public policy analysis frameworks, the development and implementation of public policy under conditions of democratic governance, governance and accountability, skills building in evaluation, intergovernmental relations and accountability, and corporate social responsibility. You will undertake practical training focused on the relations between government, the private sector and community organisations, and between different levels of government.
Units in the course are designed to give you a solid background in politics and policy while also building your skills so that you are a well-trained, highly competent and confident graduate. The focus on democratic governance within contemporary contexts characterised by rapid change and globalisation distinguishes this course from traditional public policy studies.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Advanced knowledge of, and specialised cognitive skills involving Australia’s political system and governance that may be applied in professional practice and adapted to different contexts. Sound understanding of policy development, implementation and evaluation. |
| Communication | Ability to communicate effectively potentially complex knowledge and ideas involving political and policy issues to a variety of audiences, both specialist and non-specialist. |
| Digital literacy | Employ a range of digital communication technologies and platforms appropriately to conduct research, engage in debate, and communicate ideas and findings. |
| Critical thinking | Develop the skills to think critically and to generate and evaluate complex ideas and proposals involving diverse institutions and actors, within and beyond the ‘formal’ political sphere. |
| Problem solving | Employ appropriate methods of research and analysis to investigate complex real world problems in a systematic manner and generate and evaluate potential responses to issues in such areas as: public policy; political institutions, processes and practices; democratic governance; citizen engagement; and, political communication. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development personally, academically and professionally in the field of politics and/or public policy. |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively with others from similar, but also at times quite different disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Global citizenship | Engage ethically and productively in a professional political context in addressing complex real world problems which involve different political ‘jurisdictions’ and societies or cultural communities with different ‘world views’. Recognise the potential value of engaging with and drawing upon the experiences and insights of experts and non-experts globally in understanding and addressing diverse political and policy challenges. |
Approved at Faculty Board July 2019
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Politics and Policy students must pass 8 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) to be completed in the first trimester of study
- 2 credit points of core units
- 6 credit points of course electives.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.
Course structure
Core units
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin |
Units
| AIP704 | Making Policy |
| AIP783 | Rethinking Democracy: Past, Present and Future |
Elective units
| AIP740 | Policy Lessons From Overseas |
| AIP746 | Challenges to Democracy |
| AIP748 | Intergovernmental Relations: Federalism, Power and Multi-Level Governance |
| AIP773 | Governance and Accountability in Turbulent Times |
| AIP780 | The Politics of Australia's Economy |
| AIP781 | Political Communication: Public Watchdog Or Propaganda Machine? |
| AIP785 | Political Competition: Rules, Actors and Dynamics |
AIP703 Political Values and Public Policy [No longer available for enrolment]
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin.