Working for Government: Policy Making in Action (Micro) (12268.1)
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | Online self-paced |
Bruce, Canberra |
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.041 | 1 | Faculty Of Business, Government & Law |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| Canberra School Of Government | Level 1 - Undergraduate Introductory Unit | Band 2 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan Social Work_Exclude 0905) |
Whether you're studying public policy, law, economics, health, education, business, science, or the arts, this micro-credential will introduce you to some of the essential knowledge of how government policy development and implementation work in Australia: where do public policies come from, how are they funded and how they are agreed. This will help you build the skills needed to navigate and develop public sector policy.
Designed to boost your employability, this micro-credential bridges the gap between university learning and the practical demands of government roles¿whether you're aiming to work within the public sector or collaborate with it.
Delivered by experts with an insightful combination of public service experience and academic knowledge, this micro combines real-world insights with foundational concepts to help you build your confidence to engage with policy change and contribute meaningfully to public outcomes.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:1. Analyse core concepts and strategies in how governments develop and deliver, social, economic, First Nation, education, health, climate change, environment, and other policies; and
2. Apply policy design tools and communication techniques to develop and pitch a policy idea with accuracy and persuasion.
Prerequisites
None.Corequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
None.Assumed knowledge
None.| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 16 February 2026 | Online self-paced | Dr Kath MacKie |
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 10 August 2026 | Online self-paced | Dr Kath MacKie |
| 2027 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 15 February 2027 | Online self-paced | Dr Kath MacKie |
| 2027 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 09 August 2027 | Online self-paced | Dr Kath MacKie |
Required texts
The Australian Policy Handbook: a Practical Guide to the Policymaking Process (2022) by Althaus et al, Routledge, 7th edn
Available on line from teh UC library - on the Canvas site for this Unit
Additional readings are provided on the Canvas site in the Reading List
Submission of assessment items
Extensions & Late submissions
Please use turnitin to check your plagiarism and AI use score
The use of Gen AI platforms is permitted in this Unit - the Unit Convernor simply requires that you advise them of what platform you used and would appreciate some commentary in whether you found it beneficial, time consuming or problematic.
Special assessment requirements
nil
I you have an special assessment requirements please do contact the Unit Convenor
Supplementary assessment
Nil
Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.
Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.
UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).
UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.
Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.
Learner engagement
Make sure you do first things first
Aim to meet the Assessment submission deadline
if you can, seek an extension rather than incur the 10% penalty per day for 3 days and then a zero score
Teach out to the Unit Convenor if you need support to submit on time or need an extension
Read the assessment requirement, read the rubric, start taking notes right from the first module, on how you want to approach your video policy pitch and what to include in your speaking points
Be creative, be courageous and focus on what you want to learn
Inclusion and engagement
If you need assistance in undertaking the unit because of disability or an ongoing health condition register with the InclusionUC as soon as possible so that reasonable adjustment arrangements can be made and reach out to your Unit Convenor for support and guidance if needed
Participation requirements
If any part of this unit do not work for you, reach our to the Unit Convenor so that you can achieve your leaning aims
Required IT skills
A computer/laptop
An up to date operating system
An ability to record a video in powerpoint or an alternate mode for submitting the ssessment
Work placement, internships or practicums
N/A
Additional information
N/A
