Applied Political Science Project (POLS30037)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Associiate Professor Aaron Martin aaron.martin@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This Capstone subject provides students with a grounding in approaches to political and policy research and translation. It focuses on developing students’ abilities to think clearly with data, to understand and apply different types of quantitative and qualitative reasoning and to better understand questions of causation that are at the heart of many political science and public policy questions and debates. Students then apply these skills to a policy area of their own choosing (which could cover anything from local politics to foreign affairs). This subject prepares students for further study and/or entry into the workforce by strengthening skills in policy analysis, making arguments in a logical and fact-driven way, working collaboratively in teams, and communicating effectively to different audiences
Intended learning outcomes
Students who complete this subject should be able to:
- Understand the foundations of political science research methods and how these are applied in academic and practical settings
- Gain an understanding of quantitative reasoning and research methods
- Acquire practical experience in preparing and writing an applied political science research project
- Have the ability to communicate research findings and policy recommendations effectively to different audiences
- Have the ability to work in groups and negotiate any problems that may arise in doing so
- Gain analytical and research methods skills that will be useful upon entering the workforce.
Generic skills
Students who complete this subject should be able to:
- Demonstrate application of theory to practice
- Develop quantitative and qualitative reasoning
- Demonstrate teamwork
- Demonstrate problem solving
- Develop policy analysis and translation skills
- Demonstrate critical thinking.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MULT20003 | Critical Analytical Skills | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Admission into the Politics and International Studies major in the B-ARTS Bachelor of Arts, Politics and International Studies specialisation (formal) in the GD-ARTS Graduate Diploma in Arts
This subject is Capstone subject and only available to students undertaking a major in Politics and International Studies within the Bachelor of Arts, or specialisation in, Politics and International Studies of the Graduate Diploma in Arts. It is not available to students in the minor or as breadth.
Bachelor of Arts students are required to completed the Level One requirements for the major before enrolling into this subject.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
MULT30018 Applied Research Methods
Recommended background knowledge
Bachelor of Arts students are expected that have completed the Level Two requirements for the major in Politics and International Studies, and completing the final year of the degree.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Group work and reflective writing pieces
| During the teaching period | 20% |
Short writing tasks
| During the teaching period | 20% |
Applied policy proposal
| During the teaching period | 10% |
Applied policy project
| During the examination period | 50% |
| Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Aaron Martin Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours: 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial and 1 hour seminar (optional) for 12 weeks. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Associiate Professor Aaron Martin aaron.martin@unimelb.edu.au
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Links to additional information
Last updated: 4 March 2025