Advanced Policy Analysis PG (9686.1)

Designing public policies and programmes is recognised more as art and craft than science. This unit supports the further development of skills and capabilities of policy scientists and advisers to address priority policy issues. Strategic and operational policy work supports government efforts to make policy and service delivery choices which enhance public value and contribute to better outcomes for citizens. However, providing free and frank advice is challenging in a constrained and turbulent economic and political environment. Professional policy advisers must meld analytical and political dimensions as they exercise their craft. Participants will learn about different policy skills and practices and apply policy tools and techniques, analyse and link problems to solutions, and use frameworks to design different policy options.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to: 1. Understand different models of and approaches to policy analysis and advising, and their usefulness for policy and management practice;

2. Become more proficient at designing, modelling and crafting policy options for simple and complex issues;
3. Acquire knowledge about citizen-centred policy-making and policy innovation;
4. Develop further understanding of Westminster-style policy systems and their strengths and weaknesses; and
5. Reflect on the features which define 'quality' and 'value' in policy analysis and advisory work, including strategies for enhancing performance and capability of the policy system.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Skills development

The learning outcomes listed above were developed through the University of Canberra’s ambition to develop in all graduate students a set of core generic skills and attributes.

In addition, this course will enhance your skills, confidence and attributes in:

1. Communication: The ability to present knowledge, ideas and opinions effectively and communicate within and across professional and cultural boundaries
2. Analysis and inquiry: The ability to gather information, and to analyse and evaluate information and situations in a systematic, creative and insightful way
3. Problem solving: The ability to apply problem-solving processes in novel situations; to identify and analyse problems then formulate and implement solutions
4. Working independently and with others: The ability to plan their own work, be self-directed, and use interpersonal skills and attitudes to work collaboratively
5. Professionalism and social responsibility: The capacity and intention to use professional knowledge and skills ethically and responsibly, for the benefit of others and the environment

Personal attributes

Individuals entering our programs bring with them a diversity of attributes and experiences. As students of the University they will develop the qualities of critical thinking, curiosity and reflective practice. They will use foresight, initiative and leadership, and be open to alternative perspectives. As graduates, they will continue to learn and thrive in environments of complexity, ambiguity and change.

Prerequisites

8556 Public Administration G;
6260 Managing Government Finance G;
6268 Public Policy Analysis G;
6426 Special Topics in Business and Government PG

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None

Equivalent units

None

Assumed knowledge

It is normally expected that students will hold a Bachelor's degree in a cognate subject or possess relevant practical experience in a cognate profession.