Master of Politics and Policy

2023 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Career opportunities
• Participation requirements
• Mandatory student checks
• Research information
• Fees and charges
• Course Learning Outcomes
• Course rules
• Course structure
• Work experience
• Other learning experiences
• Research and research-related study

Course overview

This course focuses on the development, implementation and politics of public policy.

Explore our role as citizens in the Australian community, the nature of diverse ideologies and the close relations between government, the private sector and community organisations.

The focus on democratic governance within contemporary contexts characterised by rapid change and globalisation distinguishes this course from traditional public policy studies.

The Master 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.

The units explore public policy analysis frameworks, governance and accountability, political communication, managing public spending and corporate social responsibility.

You’ll undertake practical training focused on the relations between government, the private sector and community organisations, and between different levels of government.

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.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Research information

Students will undertake research training and complete a research project in 1 of the 3 following options:

• 2 credit points of research training in research design and methods (qualitative or quantitative), and a 4 credit point research project developed in consultation with a supervisor from the relevant discipline;
• 1 credit point of research training in research design and methods (qualitative or quantitative), and a 2 credit point research project; or
• 1 credit point of research training in research design, and a 1 credit point research project.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course rules

The Master of Politics and Policy is typically 8, 12 or 16 credit points.

The exact number of credit points you study depends on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) – your professional experience and previous qualifications – which can save you time and money.

To qualify for the award of Master of Politics and Policy, a student must successfully complete the following:

• 4 credit points of compulsory core units;
• AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit) and;
• 12 credit points of study combining research and elective units in one of the following configurations:

Option 1: Dissertation

• 2 credit points of research training (AIX706, plus one of AIX707 or AIX708)
• 4 credit points of research project (AIX702, AIX703)
• 6 credit points of electives

Option 2: Research Paper

• 1 credit point of research training (AIX706)
• 2 credit points of independent research project (AIX704, AIX705)
• 9 credit points of electives

Option 3: Research Project

• 1 credit point of research training (AIX706)
• 1 credit point independent research project (AIX701)
• 10 credit points of electives

Course structure

Core units

Research units

AIX707 Qualitative Research (no longer available for enrolment)

AIX708 Quantitative Research (no longer available for enrolment)

Elective units

AIP703 Political Values and Public Policy [No longer available for enrolment]

AIP782 Engaging for Change [No longer available for enrolment]

AIP786 Social and Environmental Accountability [No longer available for enrolment]

Students may undertake up to 3 credit points of electives from any other postgraduate course offered by any Faculty, with the Course Director's approval.

Work experience

Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Other course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

• Contact Student Central

Other learning experiences

There are options for WIL and study tours across many of the SHSS courses.

Research and research-related study

Independent research components are embedded across a number of units.