University of Tasmania, Australia

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Public Policy

UTAS Home › Faculty of Arts › Politics & International Relations ›   › Public Policy

Introduction

What are governments and how do governments operate? How do they develop and implement policies designed to achieve public goals? Why do certain policies work and others fail? How, for example, do governments go about trying to promote economic development, protecting the environment or responding to threats?

A major in Public Policy provides answers to these and other questions dealing with the governance of modern societies such as Australia. You will come to understand how governments operate and how they deal with the private sector and non-government or comunity organisations. Hence, the program is relevant to students who want to understand more about how to deal with, or operate within, complex modern public sector or organisations. In short, you will understand more fully how the 'system' works.

The topic areas covered include an analysis of the structure and functioning of governments and the public policy system.Specific policy areas covered include environmental policy, economic policy, business-government relations, social policy, media and communications policy, global policy, global political economy, foreign policy, regional policy, women and public policy, policing and governance. To find out more about the units and courses available go to courses and units entry.

Career Opportunities

Your studies in Public Policy will provide essential skills in research, reasoned argument, and in written and verbal communication. You will graduate from the program with a clear understanding of how governments operate and how organisations deal with governments. These skills provide an important foundation for personal and professional development. Graduates with a major (area of specialisation) in Public Policy typically find work with the following organisations:

  • Public sector organisations (commonwealth, state and local government)
  • Community and non-government organisations
  • Private companies, including policy-oriented think tanks
  • Lobby groups
  • Media groups
  • Public relations firms
  • Schools
  • Police forces
  • Unions and employer groups

A public sector internship is also offered at undergraduate and honours level providing practical experience and opportunities to experience the real world of policy making.

Links with other Degree Courses

While primarily taken by Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Science and Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies)students, Public Policy is also available to students taking other degrees, for example commerce, econimics, law and science, and would be useful for professional development. Law and Public Policy make and excellent vocational combination. Students should check the rules of their degree for major requirements, as restrictions may apply.

Public Sector Internships

The Public Sector Internship is offered as a research-based unit in the undergraduate public policy program (HSD316), and is also available at Honours and postgraduate levels (HSD416). It involves a part-time placement in a public sector agency within the Tasmanian State Service, or within a Local Government Authority through the Local Government Association of Tasmania. This placement will see the intern undertake a practical, research-oriented report. The internship aims to give students experience in practical aspects of policy-making and analysis, and public administration. Interns also gain an introduction to the public sector.

Honours, Postgraduate and Research Courses

The fourth-year (400 level) honours program provides a more advancedunderstanding of current Public Policy theory and practice. It is open to students who have majored in Public Policy with a grade-point average of 6.5 or higher. The honours year consists of specialised coursework units and a thesis and introduces students to the skills involved in independent research.

The honours program also provides a stepping stone to Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, as well as providing an additional qualification.

The School of Government also offers three postgraduate coursework programs in Public Policy at the Hobart campus:

The School of Government has a strong reputation for research and welcomes enquiries from those seeking to undertake a research higher degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration or International Relations.