Public Policy Research Project PG (11801.1)

This unit requires students to provide a substantive public policy research report. Students must identify a key area of public policy, the relevant stakeholders and current contentious issues surrounding the area of public policy. Students must identify a public policy problem in consultation with a relevant stakeholder, develop a research proposal for a stakeholder and demonstrate an understanding of stakeholder requirements, identify research problems and questions, gather the relevant information to assist with stakeholder needs, gathering and analyse relevant data and present this information into a comprehensive research project for their client.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Plan and execute an independent research-based project in a specialised area of public policy and communicate research to a specialist and non-specialist;
2. Demonstrate independent thinking and critically analyse, reflect upon and synthesise complex information, problems and concepts from a range of different views; and
3. Engage with evidence based, research informed theory and current practice in the field of public policy through research project.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas

Skills development

This Unit provides students with the opportunity to explore a policy issue of interest and concern to them.

It may be a 'blue skies' policy idea where the student wishes to see  a response by government or it may be an existing policy issue where the student considers a new approach is needed to address the problem.

Students are encouraged to expore who the key stakeholders may be but are not required to approach actual stakeholders in compiling their policy research report.

Guidance will be provided by the Unit Convenor on what suitable policy area to research and how to complile and respond to the research question(s) developed by the student

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.