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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 Politics and 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.
Political Science is the study of how ideas, institutions and political power interact in modern communities and in the wider international setting. The focus is not only on how governments operate but on how power and authority shape modern society. Politics and the use of state power are central to relations between countries and between governments and citizens. But power relations can be analysed in other spheres as well, such as the role of business in market-based societies and in the struggle over regional development policy within communities. Ideas are crucial in politics. Political Science involves the study of the major ideas that drive the modern world; from democracy and liberty, to justice and authority.
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, comparative politics, electoral studies, foreign policy, regional policy, women and public policy, policing and governance. To find out more about the units and courses available see the Bachelor of Arts course structure for Politics and Policy in the University's online Courses and Units handbook.
We all need to understand Politics and Policy, so this is what to do! If you are considering a major in Politics and Policy, there is now a simple pathway to follow. Complete a pair of introductory units, then choose two of the second year [intermediate] core units. Then you can choose from the list of electives- you will need two at second year [intermediate] level, and four at advanced level. You can also take units as student electives- there are several with minimal prerequisites. For further details, see the sample study schedule (PDF 160.5KB).
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, economics, 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.
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 Politics and Policy typically find work with the following organisations:
A public sector internship or a parliamentary internship is also offered at undergraduate and honours level providing practical experience and opportunities to experience the real world of policy making.
Students studying Political Science have the opportunity to undertake internships at undergraduate (HPP316) or Honours Level (HSA432) with the Parliament of Tasmania. This involves a part-time placement with a Member of Parliament or a Parliamentary Committee and involves the intern undertaking a practical, research-oriented report. These internships provide credit towards the completion of a major or honours in Political Science.
The Public Sector Internship is offered as a research-based unit in the undergraduate public policy program (HPP317), 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.
The fourth-year (400 level) honours program provides a more advanced understanding of selected issues in Political Science and current Public Policy theory and practice. It is open to students who have majored in Politics and 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 Social Sciences also offers three graduate coursework programs in Politics and Policy.
The School of Social Sciences 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.
Contact the coordinators through the School of Social Sciences office. Email: Social.Sciences@utas.edu.au
Authorised by the Head of School, Social Sciences
30 September, 2013
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