Project-based Policy Analysis (SOCI90023)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Dr Aaron Hart harta2@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Jack Lam jack.lam@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The Project-based policy analysis is a capstone option in the Master of Social Policy. This subject enables participants to draw on the expertise developed throughout the MSP and apply it in real time to a contemporary project. The project is team-based to mirror the practical experience of managers and will be developed and overseen by both a professional and academic mentor. The project team will work in consultation with their practice and academic mentors to develop a project brief, undertake analysis, and prepare a professional report to the sponsoring organisation. The project team will present their report at the Capstone Presentation Day.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should:
- Understand the nature of applied research and it's power in addressing practical problems
- Appreciate the complexities of bringing together theory and practice to develop managerial strategies
- Apply their professional skills (working ethically; managing effectively; using evidence) in a team-based environment.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Frame policy-related questions within a client organisation
- Analyse data and interpret the findings and translate into practical policy implications within the organisation where the project will be carried out
- Learn how to chair, discuss and present their findings to a broader audience.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students must meet one of the following prerequisite options:
Option 1
Selection of the 100pt Program course entry point in the 706AA Master of Social Policy
OR
Option 2
Selection of the 150pt Program course entry point in the 706AA Master of Social Policy
AND
Two of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOCI90004 | Critical Social Policy | April (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| SOCI90005 | Social Research Design and Evaluation | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| SOCI90011 | Foundations of Social Policy | March (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| SOCI90003 | Comparative Social Policy | September (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
OR
Option 3
Selection of the 200pt Program course entry point in the 706AA Master of Social Policy
AND
All of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOCI90004 | Critical Social Policy | April (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| SOCI90005 | Social Research Design and Evaluation | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| SOCI90011 | Foundations of Social Policy | March (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| SOCI90003 | Comparative Social Policy | September (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
PPMN90043 Project-based Policy Analysis
Recommended background knowledge
Previous study in social policy, public policy, political science, management, law, business, economics, international relations, non-profit management or cognate area.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Project group presentation at the Capstone Presentation Day
| Week 11 | 20% |
Project group paper where the team produces an applied research/professional report
| Week 11 | 70% |
Reflective practice paper where participants reflect on the team process and individual lessons from the project Individual paper
| During the examination period | 10% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students are expected to attend all seminars and the presentation day in order to successfully pass this subject. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 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
Coordinators Aaron Hart and Jack Lam Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours: 4 hour seminar for 12 weeks, and a presentation day in week 11 of semester. Total time commitment 340 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
Dr Aaron Hart harta2@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Jack Lam jack.lam@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
340 Hours
What do these dates mean
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- 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