The Applied Policy Project is part of the Crawford School of Public Policy’s suite of work integrated learning (WIL) options that promote reciprocal learning between academic studies and workplace application. This course provides students with an opportunity to undertake applied research for real-world policy organisations. Clients from the public or non-government sectors – such as government departments, think tanks, peak bodies, and advocacy groups – initiate each project. Project work can be undertaken on an individual or group basis, subject to topic suitability and demand. Students extend their academic skills into the professional world, deepening their knowledge about a substantive policy area, and learning about the work of policy organisations through the process of designing and conducting research. Guided by an academic advisor, in each project students are required to understand client research needs, define research questions, gather and analyse policy relevant data, and structure and produce a research report for the client.
The Applied Policy Project is a unique opportunity to engage with highly capable peers. Student numbers are limited and entry is based on an application process. Students are required to submit a short pro forma application which outlines (1) their expectations of the course and how they fit with their career goals, (2) what experiences and skills they bring to the course, and (3) the names of two referees from Crawford faculty. Successful applicants will be determined by the Course Convenor. The overall learning goals of this course are to promote discipline-based concept application, to enhance applied research skills, and to encourage career literacy-based professional development.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate and apply discipline-based theoretical knowledge and research methodologies learned in coursework
- Design, structure, conduct, and manage an applied research project initiated by a client organisation
- Deliver policy research for clients, including professional experience demonstrating skills in negotiating professional relationships with policy clients and communicating effectively for policy audiences
- Understand how organisations operate and gain useful experience of a professional context
- Demonstrate interpersonal and communication behaviours, attributes and skills that enable negotiation and collaboration with others, as well as enhanced self-awareness to identify personal characteristics and how these can support or hinder work behaviours
- Clarify personal and professional goals consistent with personal characteristics and interests, and understand how skills can be transferable, including an enhanced ability to demonstrate employability skills to others.
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
The WIL component provides you with the opportunity to work in a team to develop advice for an agency or organisation facing a policy challenge. Each team is supervised by an academic mentor.
Other Information
Entry to this course is competitive, and students will be selected on the basis of their academic merit and application.
Indicative Assessment
- Statement of expectations (750 words) (10) [LO 1,4,5,6]
- Research prospectus (1000 words) (15) [LO 1,2,3]
- Research report (5000 words) (55) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research report client presentation (30 mins presentation and Q&A) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Personal reflections (750 words) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours consisting of a combination of seminar attendance, meetings with project adviser, meetings with client organisation, group meetings (where applicable), and applied research and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Crawford School of Public Policy to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
O’Leary, Z. and Hunt, J. 2016. Workplace Research: Conducting small-scale research in organizations. Sage. London.
Preliminary Reading
Althaus, C., Bridgman, P. and Davis, G. 2018. The Australian Policy Handbook: A Practical Guide to the Policy-Making Process. Allen & Unwin: Sydney. Sixth Edition.
Dunn, W. N. 2018. Public Policy Analysis: An Integrated Approach. Routledge: New York. Sixth Edition.
Howlett, M., Ramesh, M. and Perl, A. 2009. Studying Public Policy: Policy Cycles and Policy Subsystems. Oxford University Press: New York. Third Edition.
Mintrom, M. 2012. Contemporary Policy Analysis. Oxford University Press: Oxford.
O’Leary, Z. 2017. The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project. Sage: London. Third Edition.
Ridley, D. 2012. The Literature Review: A Step by Step Guide for Students. Sage: London.
White, P. 2009. Developing Research Questions: A Guide for Social Scientists. Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Campus | ||||||
| 9274 | 22 Jul 2024 | 29 Jul 2024 | 31 Aug 2024 | 25 Oct 2024 | In Person | N/A |
