The Australian National Internships Program provides students from any discipline with the opportunity to undertake a significant research project within a work place. Academic credit will be awarded towards the students' degrees. Placements are in national institutions (eg  government departments and agencies), peak industry bodies, large industry organisations, public policy-focussed NGOs, or international organisations (eg  embassies). As part of a real-world experience, students will have the opportunity to work in an office environment, learn to prioritise tasks and deadlines, develop the skills to express themselves concisely and provide a succinct précis of a complex topic.

Admission to this course is selective due to the high academic standards required to successfully complete the course. 

The research topic is agreed between the Intern and the placement and topics usually have a focus relevant to both the organisation and the intern. Students attend workshops to assist with the write up of their report and enhance professional skills.

Internship placements may be offered within Australia or overseas, and workshops will be delivered over the course of a semester or in intensive mode. This course is available for cross-Institutional enrolment.

 

The mandatory orientation workshop runs over two days during Orientation Week.
Admission to this course is selective due to the high academic standards required to successfully complete the course.  For more information on the entry process please visit anip.anu.edu.au. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. demonstrate and apply, with sophisticated understanding, a range of applied research and professional skills;
2. source, analyse, synthesise, and interpret information from diverse sources;
3. think, write, and argue about complex public policy issues and questions; and
4. engage professionally with stakeholders on policy-relevant topics.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments on assessment via Wattle
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class and to groups during workshops
• Feedback to individual students via student consultations

Host feedback

• At the end of the research project we will contact your workplace supervisor for a final Debrief to ask them for comments on your contribution in the workplace and the value of your report. This Debrief does not form part of ANIP’s formal assessment and is made available to you at the completion of the course.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Workshops

• ANIP Workshops will be staged over a two day period at the end of Orientation Week and will provide a great source of support particularly in developing your research report and preparing for your placement. Whilst the workshops are compulsory it is strongly encouraged that you take advantage of the expertise of the convenors during the two days.
• This is a good time to ask questions or seek clarification on any aspect of the research project or placement.

Supervision and support

• There are three key sources of support during the internship:
• Academic Advisor is based at the ANU and is responsible for supporting, providing feedback and academic assessment.
• Workplace Supervisor manages the tasks within the workplace and provides guidance on the research topic.
• ANIP Administration manages the recruitment, enrolment and debrief processes of the program
• It is your responsibility to engage actively with the Program, to take responsibility for the assessment tasks and to keep your supervisors regularly informed of your progress.

The workplace experience

Conduct

• As a representative of the ANU you are expected to display values and behaviours consistent with the ANU Code of Conduct and Code of Practice for teaching and learning. These include treating everyone with courtesy and respect; engaging in conduct that is respectful of differences and not discriminatory; and refraining from behaviour that may harm the reputation of the ANU.

Dress code

• As you will be working in a professional environment, you should be mindful of dressing suitably for the placement. A general rule is “business attire”.

Timesheets

• Students will be asked to complete a timesheet to indicate to ANIP the days and times they have agreed with their host to be in the workplace.
• The time spent in the workplace will need to correspond with the ANIP course the student has enrolled in.

Responsibilities

• You will have been provided with a pre-placement briefing that you should thoroughly read.
• Some expectations may have been covered in your interview with your host, but there may be some things you are unclear on. Talk to your host supervisor as soon as possible to ensure you have a good grasp on the research topic and a good understanding of what contribution is expected of you in the workplace
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Documents

• You will be asked to complete an agreement that includes a student internship schedule and a student deed poll.
• For information, you will also be provided with an example of the agreement between the host and the ANIP as that document and the internship schedule are cross-referenced. These documents help to clarify requirements and responsibilities of each party.
• Insurance coverage for students undertaking internships is provided by the ANU.

Interstate and overseas placements

• In addition to the insurance coverage arranged by ANIP for the workplace, students who are placed interstate or overseas need to complete a Travel Approval eForm to ensure that travel to and from the placement is adequately insured. Additional insurance does not need to be purchased once the eForm has been completed.
• ANIP will arrange to have a pre-departure session with students placed interstate/overseas to go over any questions and logistical matters.
• ANIP will provide students placed interstate/overseas with a template to complete a Health and Wellness Plan so they can consider any possible scenarios that might affect their health or wellbeing whilst away from Canberra, and ways in which to mitigate these.

• Students undertaking their placement interstate/overseas will join the rest of their cohort at the weekly workshops when they return so they can complete their research report during the remainder of the Semester.

For overseas placements:

• Please review the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade websites for policies on visa’s and entry/exit requirements for the country you are visiting and ensure sufficient time is allowed for associated applications.
• The Embassy or High Commission of the country being visited in Canberra is also a good source of advice.
• Take the time to review information on cultural aspects of the foreign country to minimise any potential culture shock.
• The Australian Embassy overseas is a good source of advice once you are in your placement.

Media and confidentiality

• A confidentiality agreements is a condition of your participation in ANIP, and we encourage you to be mindful in not compromising your hosts or yourself through inappropriate use of social media or engagement with commercial media.
• At times through the Program you may be asked to participate in ANU publicity activities such as appearing on a short film for the promotion of ANIP. These requests will always come to you through ANIP and we will seek your permission for us to use any images captured of you.
• Should you be approached by any journalist or third party in regards to the Program, we ask that you direct the enquirer to us at ANIP to handle in accordance with guidance from the ANU Communications and Media Office.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
3		Research Proposal (10%)
7		Poster (10%) and Presentation (10%)
9	Writing Workshop
12		Research Report (70%)

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value
Research proposal	10 %
Poster	10 %
Poster Presentation	10 %
Research report	70 %

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Research proposal

500 words, 10%

Assessment Task 2

Poster

10%

Assessment Task 3

Poster Presentation

30 mins,10%

Assessment Task 4

Research report

20,000 words, 70%

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students