University of Technology Sydney

C04323v1 Master of Applied Policy

Award(s): Master of Applied Policy (MAppPol)
Master of Applied Policy in Local Government Studies (MAppPol)

CRICOS code: 094553M
Commonwealth supported place?: No
Load credit points: 72
Course EFTSL: 1.5
Location: City campus

Overview
Career options
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Applications
Recognition of prior learning
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course program
Articulation with UTS courses
Exit award
Other information

Overview

The Master of Applied Policy, offered by the UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance (UTS: IPPG) is designed to develop practical knowledge and essential skills for policy making and management.

The course has an applied focus, underpinned by contemporary policy making theories. It offers students the opportunity to critically apply their learning to real-world problems and build their understanding of policy formation, policy and program evaluation, and utilising evidence for influence and decision making.

To tailor their course, students can choose electives from a range of subjects across UTS.

The course utilises several teaching formats, including intensive block mode and online delivery, designed and delivered by academics, practitioners and industry leaders.

The course offers students the opportunity to work across industry sectors on real-world problems and to critically apply their learning to case studies drawn from UTS: IPPG's research program and their own workplaces to innovate solutions. It includes active approaches to learning, including debates, case studies, role plays, group discussions, presentations and guest speakers.

All students undertake an individual research project, and gain the necessary knowledge and experience to engage in effective policy development, implementation and evaluation. The course offers a general policy stream focusing on professional practice, as well as major streams in local government studies; urban and regional policy; and social research. The core subjects of the course examine contemporary policy challenges; policy in practice; foundations in public policy and evidence and influence in public policy. To tailor their course, students can choose their electives from a range of subjects from UTS: IPPG, the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, and the UTS Business School. The course also offers a sub-major in Project Management.

The course utilises several teaching formats, including intensive block mode and online delivery, designed by academics, practitioners and industry leaders. Most subjects are offered in flexible mode and delivered in blocks or online for more effective integration of study and work commitments.

Career options

Career options include public, not-for-profit or private sector agencies involved in policy, programs and service delivery.

Course intended learning outcomes

A.2 Ability to demonstrate an appreciation of values and ethics and their application to policymaking in national and regional governmental context across a variety of policy sectors.
A.3 Ability to reflect on personal views and values and understand how they might affect professional judgement and practice.
C.1 Ability to present, and invite feedback on, complex arguments and ideas.
I.1 Ability to question, challenge and develop new perspectives on current local domestic and international practice.
P.1 Demonstrated understanding of the principles and practices of policymakers across different national and sectoral contexts.
R.1 Ability to critically engage with diverse bodies of knowledge regarding national and sectoral contexts using scholarly attribution practices.
R.2 Ability to undertake applied research to inform policymaking practices and public management.
R.4 Ability to apply conceptual and theoretical frameworks to local supra-and subnational policy making practice.

Admission requirements

Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies.

Applicants must have one of the following:

  • a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, or equivalent or higher qualification, with at least credit average in a relevant field (policy studies, public administration, or social sciences in any relevant discipline)
  • a UTS Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy at credit level or above
  • a UTS Graduate Diploma in Applied Policy at credit level or above.

in addition to one of the above qualifications, applicants need to provide:

  • a CV demonstrating relevant work experience
  • a personal statement (max. 300 words) addressing their reasons for wanting to undertake the Master of Applied Policy.

Applicants who do not satisfy the academic requirements may be considered on the ability to demonstrate equivalency through a minimum of three years' relevant work experience.

Applicants need to provide:

  • a CV clearly articulating relevant experience
  • a personal statement (max. 300 words) explaining the reasons for wanting to study the Master of Applied Policy. If applicable, detail should be provided about general or professional qualifications that demonstrate potential to pursue graduate studies.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64; or CAE: 176-184.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

Applications

International students

International students apply through UTS: International.

Recognition of prior learning

Students who have completed relevant previous studies (such as relevant postgraduate studies at a recognised institution or eligible UTS short courses) may apply to the course coordinator for recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Course duration and attendance

This course is offered on a one-and-a-half-year, full-time, or three-year, part-time basis.

Course structure

Students must complete 72 credit points made up of 24 credit points of core subjects, a 12-credit-point research project and 36 credit points of electives.

Course completion requirements

STM91196 Core subjects (Applied Policy) 24cp
CBK91238 Major/Sub-major + two electives/Six electives 36cp
CBK91239 Project stream choice 12cp
Total 72cp

Course program

Typical full-time programs are shown below for students commencing in Autumn or Spring sessions.

Autumn commencing, full time
Year 1
Autumn session
15627 Foundations in Public Policy   6cp
15628 Evidence and Influence in Public Policy   6cp
Select 12 credit points from the following:   12cp
CBK91238 Major/Sub-major + two electives/Six electives 36cp  
Spring session
15625 Contemporary Policy Challenges   6cp
15626 Policy in Practice   6cp
Select 12 credit points from the following:   12cp
CBK91238 Major/Sub-major + two electives/Six electives 36cp  
Year 2
Autumn or Spring session
Select 12 credit points from the following:   12cp
CBK91238 Major/Sub-major + two electives/Six electives 36cp  
Select 12 credit points from the following:   12cp
CBK91239 Project stream choice 12cp  
Spring commencing, full time
Year 1
Spring session
15625 Contemporary Policy Challenges   6cp
15626 Policy in Practice   6cp
Select 12 credit points from the following:   12cp
CBK91238 Major/Sub-major + two electives/Six electives 36cp  
Year 2
Autumn session
15627 Foundations in Public Policy   6cp
15628 Evidence and Influence in Public Policy   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91238 Major/Sub-major + two electives/Six electives 36cp  
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91239 Project stream choice 12cp  
Spring session
Select 18 credit points from the following:   18cp
CBK91238 Major/Sub-major + two electives/Six electives 36cp  
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91239 Project stream choice 12cp  

Articulation with UTS courses

This course is part of an articulated program of study comprising the Master of Applied Policy, the Graduate Diploma in Applied Policy (C06121), and the Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy (C11263).

Exit award

Students can exit this course after completing:

  • 24 credit points of specified subjects, with a Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy
  • 48 credit points of specified subjects, with a Graduate Diploma in Applied Policy.

Other information

Further information is available from:

UTS: Institute for Public Policy and Governance
email Academic Programs Officer
telephone + 61 2 9514 1659