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Master of Social Policy (706AA)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2017 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
- Overview
- Entry and participation requirements
- Attributes, outcomes and skills
- Course structure
- Majors, minors and specialisations
- Further study
Contact
Coordinator
Dr Leah Ruppanner
The Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Currently enrolled students:
- Contact Stop 1
- General information: https://ask.unimelb.edu.au
Future students:
- Further information: http://graduate.arts.unimelb.edu.au/
- Contact: 'make an enquiry' on http://graduate.arts.unimelb.edu.au/degrees/7-master-of-social-policy
Coordinator
Leah Ruppanner
Overview
Award title | Master of Social Policy |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2017 — Parkville |
CRICOS code | 049598E |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
AQF level | 9 |
Credit points | 200 credit points |
Duration | 24 months full-time or 48 months part-time |
The Master of Social Policy offers a curriculum that reflects cutting edge theory in a number of professional development fields. Graduates will be equipped with the skills necessary for advanced community sector management and policy making, including the skills to:
- analyse key areas of contemporary social policy: governance, inclusion\exclusion, social capital, globalisation etc;
- engage with the social dimensions of social policy: race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, age etc;
- understand social policy as a contested process and apply research skills to a range of organisational contexts; and
- draw on a range of disciplines and take a comparative and global focus.
Links to further information
Entry requirements
1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
- an undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least an H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- prior academic performance; and
- relevance of previous studies.
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 6.5.
Applicants with the following may be awarded up to 50 points of credit:
- an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with at least an H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent.
Applicants with the following may be awarded up to 100 points of credit:
- an honours degree in a cognate discipline with at least an H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent; or
- an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with at least an H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent, and at least two years of documented, relevant work experience.
Applicants seeking credit must provide the following documentation in support of their application for the recognition of prior professional experience:
• brief curriculum vitae, detailing work experience;
• contact details of two referees;
• a covering letter outlining the applicants professional background and how this prepares them to successfully undertake the program.
In some cases, an interview and/or two reference letters from employers/managers detailing the period of employment and areas of responsibility, and/or evidence of written work or reports undertaken during the period of employment may be requested.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Intended learning outcomes
Students who complete the Master of Social Policy should:
- enhance their skills in research: through competent use of advanced information sources and retrieval of appropriate information;
- have critical and theoretical thinking: through presentation of research papers, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgements and arguments from conflicting evidence, and by critical analysis;
- develop time management and planning: through managing and organising workloads; and
- enhance their skills in team work: through small group discussions.
Generic skills
On completion of this course, students should have:
- leadership and communication skills;
- the ability to perform high-level critical analysis and creative thinking;
- the ability to undertake project management;
- team work and professional networking skills; and
- enhanced research, writing and communication skills.
Graduate attributes
Master of Social Policy graduates will have a comprehensive understanding of the key areas, actors, ideas, actors, institutions and contemporary challenges in social policy through a core program and the opportunity for further specialisation in particular fields of study through a rich selection of electives as well as unique capstone experiences. Graduates will have acquired the following:
Academic distinction
- in-depth knowledge of their specialist disciplines and skills in examining issues with multiple disciplinary perspectives around issues of social policy;
- ability to be critical, creative thinkers with strong reasoning skills;
- ability to apply knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems in a range of policy contexts and are effective oral and written communicators;
- enhanced research and analytical and problem-solving skills;
- ability to critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.
Active citizenship
- ability to engage with contemporary local, national and global issues around social policy within Australia and internationally;
- in-depth understanding of human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment;
- awareness of the social and cultural diversity in communities and how to work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In particular, MSP students will have an understanding of and deep respect for Indigenous knowledge, culture and values;
- the capacity to become leaders in their professions and communities, with the capacity to work effectively across disciplines and cultures.
Integrity and self-awareness
- capacity to be self-directed and well-organised, with the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities.
- ability to work effectively both independently and in groups, and place great importance on their personal and professional integrity.
- ability to be confident of their knowledge, yet flexible, adaptable and aware of their limitations.
- willingness to explore, experiment and learn from mistakes as well as have empathy and concern for the welfare of others while managing their own well-being.
Course structure
200 point program
Duration: 2 years full-time / up to 4 years part-time
First 100 points:
-
two compulsory subjects (25 points)
-
elective subjects (75 points)
Second 100 points:
Coursework Only Option
- two compulsory subjects (25 points)
- elective subjects (75 points)
or
Minor Thesis Option
- two compulsory subjects (25 points)
- POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar (12.5 points)
- minor thesis parts 1 and 2 (37.5 points total)
- elective subjects (25 points)
150 point program
Duration: 1.5 years full-time / up to 3 years part-time
Coursework Only Option
- four compulsory subjects (50 points)
- elective subjects (100 points)
or
Minor Thesis Option
- four compulsory subjects (50 points)
- POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar (12.5 points)
- minor thesis parts 1 and 2 (37.5 points total)
- elective subjects (50 points)
100 point program
Duration: 1 year full-time / up to 2 years part-time
Coursework Only Option:
- four compulsory subjects (50 points)
- elective subjects (50 points)
or
Minor Thesis Option:
- four compulsory subjects (50 points)
- POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar (12.5 points)
- minor thesis parts 1 and 2 (37.5 points total)
Capstone Requirements:
All students are required to complete the Capstone Requirement for the program (at least 25 points). Students must complete one capstone option:
Capstone Stream 1: PPMN90049 Public/Social Policy Thesis Part 1 and PPMN90050 Public/Social Policy Thesis Part 2 (37.5 points total)
Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills to address a research question; pathway to the PhD.
Capstone Stream 2: SOCI90013 Social Policy Internship (25 points)
Purpose: An opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in social policy practice to solve problems that arise in professional contexts and develop an integrated understanding of research and practice.
Capstone Stream 3: PPMN90043 Project-based Policy Analysis (25 points)
Purpose: An opportunity to work in a team-based project where knowledge and skills are applied to a practical project under the supervision of an academic and practitioner expert.
For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework. Students also should also refer to information in the Student Policy Directory.
Majors, minors & specialisations
Name | Credit Points |
---|---|
200 Point Master of Social Policy | |
150 Point Master of Social Policy | |
100 Point Master of Social Policy |
Further study
Graduates may progress to a range of other graduate coursework programs. Students who complete the minor thesis may be eligible to apply for the PhD.
Last updated: 27 April 2024