On-campus & remote (online) learning available. Students participate in interactive, real-time classes. 2026 dates:
The world is awash with change. The geopolitical landscape is in flux, and globalisation is being challenged and transformed. Technological revolutions are remaking myriad aspects of human life, while environmental change is reshaping the world as we know it. These changes are profoundly complex, layered with interconnections between a wide range of policy actors, demanding new approaches to governance in a world without easy answers.
This course empowers students to grapple with the challenge of policymaking in a complex and changing world. The course employs the case method of teaching, and students will be presented with multiple cases in which complexity and uncertainty loom large, putting tremendous pressure on familiar economic, political, administrative, and communicative processes. By delving into cases of complex change, the course offers students a unique opportunity to comprehend critical challenges confronting policymakers today, while also exploring how those challenges can be managed.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of contemporary public policy challenges featuring high levels of complexity.
- Identify the roles and capacities of different actors in complex policy issues.
- Apply theoretical perspectives to real world challenges in different cultural, social and political environments.
- Generate policy advice regarding the management of complex challenges.
- Communicate persuasively in public policy contexts, in a variety of modes.
Indicative Assessment
- Case Paper 1 (1500 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Case Paper 2 (1500 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Case Paper 3 (1500 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Participation (10) [LO 1,5]
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
A standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including in-class time and independent study.
Prescribed Texts
See Wattle
Preliminary Reading
Althaus, Catherine et al. (2018). “A Policy Cycle” in The Australian Policy Handbook. Allen and Unwin. 6th Edition, pp. 43-53.
Beck, Ulrich (2009). World at Risk. Translated by C. Cronin. Cambridge: Policy Press (selected chapters).
Boulton, Jean (2010). "Complexity Theory in Political Science and Public Policy." Political Studies Review, Vol. 10, No. 3: 346–58.
Head, Brian W. and Alford, John (2015). "Wicked Problems: Implications for Public Policy and Management," Administration and Society, Vol. 47, No. 6: 711-739.
Levin, Kelly et al. (2012). "Overcoming the Tragedy of Super Wicked Problems: Constraining our Future Selves to Ameliorate Global Climate Change," Policy Sciences Vol. 45, No. 2: 123-152.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $4920 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $7020 |
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.
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Campus | ||||||
| 6475 | 03 Aug 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | 20 Nov 2026 | In Person | N/A |
| Online | ||||||
| 6476 | 03 Aug 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | 20 Nov 2026 | Online | N/A |