Understanding Education Policy (EDUC90951)

This subject examines education policy in an international context. Students will examine the nature and role of education policy, the intersection with other social and economic policies, and the key conceptual ideas underpinning contemporary policy. Through this subject, students will analyse the cultural, socio-economic and political forces shaping policies in education, focussing mainly on schooling and tertiary education. Students will draw on a range of theories and approaches that inform critical policy analysis to examine issues such as the impact of privilege and disadvantage on educational outcomes, transitions through education and into employment, the structure of education systems, and the impact of national, regional and international factors. This will inform critical analysis of key contemporary policy debates and develop professional skills in policy analysis.