This course is concerned with how public policies are made, implemented and evaluated. It introduces students to central debates in policy studies and examines concepts, models and tools for making and evaluating policy programs. We will consider various actors involved in the policy making process, and the institutional and ideational structures within which they typically operate. We will also reflect on how values and interests influence what policy issues get attention, and how they shape decisions, outcomes and evaluation procedures. Throughout the course scholarly debates are combined with practical examples from Australia and abroad.

This course is only available to students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in Public Administration.

On successful completion students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a working knowledge of key terms, concepts and ideas in the study of public policy
2. understand and critically engage with relevant literature on public policy
3. reflect on debates in public policy by drawing connections between theory and practice
4. contribute to informed discussions on the politics and practices of making, implementing and evaluating public policy
5. demonstrate an understanding of the methodological and political aspects of policy evaluation
6. demonstrate the ability to think independently, develop informed perspectives and persuasively communicate in the field of public policy

Weekly lectures and tutorials (see timetable)

This course is compulsory for all those enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Public  Administration.  Students enrolled in other Graduate Diplomas cannot be guaranteed a place.  Master degree students are not eligible to take this course.

At least 2-3 years work experience in the public sector or non-government sector is essential.

Davis, G. et al. (eds) 1993 Public Policy in Australia 2^nd edition, Allen & Unwin, pp. 157-164

Chapters 1,2 and 5 from

Colebatch, H. 2002, Policy, Open University Press