Unit of Study: GOVT6316 - Policy Making, Power and Politics
This unit focuses on the nature of public policy and the processes by which it is produced. Relevant issues are common to all nation states, although they take specific forms in each individual country. First, the unit takes an overview of public policy - dealing with basic themes such as 'What is policy?' through to different approaches to understanding the policy process. These include policy cycles, rationality, interest groups, institutions, and socio-economic interests. Second, it maps out and examines the main components of public policy making: actors, institutions and policy instruments. Third, it focuses on aspects of policy-making processes which often attract a high level of attention from analysts. These include problem definition, agenda setting, decision-taking, policy implementation, policy evaluation and crisis policy-making. Fourth, it examines wider issues in terms of the state and who ultimately holds power over the making and shaping of public policy. Finally, it examines the 'bigger pictures' of long term policy trends, and the extent to which national policy making capacities and processes have been affected by globalisation. Assessments offer a large element of flexibility, allowing students to concentrate on areas of particular interest.
Classes: 2 hours per week
Assessment: Case study; essay; policy monitoring report
Courses this subject is available in
This unit of study can be undertaken as a part of the following degree programs:
Graduate Certificate in International Security
Students develop the knowledge and skills relevant to understanding both traditional and emerging security challenges. This program draws on a wide range of disciplinary fields, including defence, international relations, environmental studies, strategic studies and law. Students are equipped for career paths in international security in the public and private sectors and with international and non-government organisations.
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Graduate Certificate in Public Policy
Graduate Certificate in Public Policy.
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Graduate Diploma in Commerce
Specialist in focus while covering a broad range of study, the Commerce courses develop the advanced skills and knowledge required for a high-level position in industry, commerce and government. Career opportunities include positions in accounting, marketing or other specialist fields, as well as roles in a variety of business fields.
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Graduate Diploma in International Security
Students develop the knowledge and skills relevant to understanding both traditional and emerging security challenges. This program draws on a wide range of disciplinary fields, including defence, international relations, environmental studies, strategic studies and law. Students are equipped for career paths in international security in the public and private sectors and with international and non-government organisations.
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Graduate Diploma in Public Policy
Graduate Diploma in Public Policy
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Master of Administrative Law and Policy
The Master of Administrative Law & Policy (MALP) aims to develop an understanding of the relationship between law, and the analysis and implementation of public policy.
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Master of Commerce
Specialist in focus while covering a broad range of study, this degree develops the advanced skills and knowledge required for a high-level position in industry, commerce and government. Career opportunities include positions in accounting, marketing or other specialist fields, as well as roles in a variety of business fields
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Master of Commerce and Master of Facilities Management
The Master of Commerce/Master of Facilities Management award course is a ground-breaking initiative in cross-disciplinary postgraduate education between the Faculty of Economics and Business and the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning.
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Master of Commerce and Master of Logistics Management
This program combines the Master of Commerce degree with the Master of Logistics Management. The two master’s degrees can be awarded in a shorter time than it would take to study them independently.
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Master of Commerce and Master of Professional Accounting
This degree combines the Master of Commerce with the Master of Professional Accounting. It allows students to specialise in a major subject area from Commerce as well as complete professional accounting units of study.
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The course information displayed is applicable to currently available courses and is updated annually in October. Please use as indicative only as online information is subject to change without notice. Please refer to handbooks for further course information.
