The APP involves small groups of students undertaking applied research for real-world policy organisations. Each project is initiated by clients from the public or non-government sectors, for example government departments, think tanks, peak bodies, advocacy groups, and advisory institutions. The course is designed to give students an opportunity to extend their academic skills into the professional world. Working in groups, students learn about the inner workings of policy organisations through the process of designing and conducting research on their behalf. In each project, students are required to understand client research needs, define research problems, formulate research questions, gather and analyse policy relevant data, and structure and produce a research report for the client. Throughout the course, students deepen their knowledge about a substantive policy area and gain exposure to the operations of policy organisations. They also gain professional skills in applied research methods such as effective group work, negotiating client relationships, report writing and oral presentations. Each research group will be guided by a project advisor with relevant skills and knowledge. Student numbers in the APP are limited and thus entry is based on an application process. Students are required to submit a 300 word application in which they outline 1) their expectations of the course and how this fits with their career goals, b) what experiences and skills they bring to the course, and 3) the names of two referees from Crawford faculty. Successful applicants will determined by the course convener.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon completion of this course students will be able to;1. Apply knowledge of a substantive area of policy
2. Demonstrate skills in negotiating professional relationships with policy clients
3. Design, structure, conduct and manage an applied research project
4. Exhibit skills in undertaking team-based research
5. Gain professional experience in delivering policy research for clients
6. Communicate effectively for policy audiences (written and oral communication)
7. Demonstrate capacity to work as a ‘reflective practitioner’
8. Apply skills in providing constructive feedback and peer-reviewing
Indicative Assessment
The course will be graded in two parts, with 60% of the course grades allocated by the convener, and 40% allocated by the research advisor. The advisor will also take into account qualitative feedback from the client on their satisfaction with the project.1. Personal reflections (600 words each) (10% each) ( LOs 23,4,7,8,)
a. Expectations and reflective insights (based on readings on being a ‘reflective practitioner’, applied research, and negotiating client relations)
b. Post-reflections: lessons learnt
2. Peer review (15%): each student provides constructive feedback on two draft reports (1 A4 page each review). (LOs 7,8)
3. Research Prospectus (presentation) 5%* (LOs1,2,3,4,5,6)
4. Final Report (60%) * (LOs 1,2,3,4,5,6)
o 40% Advisor (with qualitative input from client)
o 20% Convener
* indicates group mark. Note: 65% of the course a grade is based on a group mark
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Workload
130 hours consisting of a combination of seminar attendance, presentations, group meetings with project advisers and applied research and writing.Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Crawford School of Public Policy to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3420 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4878 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9239 | 24 Jul 2017 | 31 Jul 2017 | 31 Aug 2017 | 27 Oct 2017 | In Person | N/A |
