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Public Policy Analysis (PPMN90007)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 25Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

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April - Dual-Delivery
August - Dual-Delivery
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This compulsory subject in the Master of Public Policy and Management will provide students with the key theoretical and analytical perspectives and debates in public policy. Students will be introduced to key competing theoretical models explaining policy design and implementation processes. We will explore how policy problems are identified, framed and contested; examine the influence of local and global actors and institutions; and discuss roles that ideas, evidence, and norms play in the design process. As well as exposing students to key theoretical models, case study analysis and practice-based assessment tasks will be used to develop student’s hands-on skills in policy analysis and design.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

  • Identify, compare, explain and translate policy problems and their solutions, with an appreciation for expectations and roles of key actors and institutions in policy-making contexts
  • Demonstrate mastery of pivotal scholarship on public policy making
  • Work with complex information and policy environments, and distinguish between dilemmas and opportunities
  • Formulate strategies that empower key actors, such as service users or stakeholders, to achieve their goals
  • Clearly and persuasively communicate to diverse audiences
  • Review and critique important data sources and specialised policy documents
  • Exhibit in-depth technical understandings of public policy making, including agenda-setting, formulation, implementation, and evaluation
  • Execute a public policy research project both independently and within groups

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should have:

  • In-depth knowledge of the disciplines of political science and policy and administration, and the ability to examine governance, policy and public sector reform issues from other disciplinary perspectives
  • Critical and strong reasoning skills, and creativity in applying theory and research methods to complex practical problems across diverse contexts
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Autonomy, self-motivation, self-direction and outstanding organisational skills to set goals and manage time and priorities
  • Skills in self-assessment, self-awareness, reflective and lifelong learning, with an overriding commitment to personal and professional integrity

Last updated: 31 January 2024