This course focuses upon the formulation and implementation of public policy, and the problems of governance within democratic polities. Students will be encouraged to understand the close relations between government, the private sector and community organisations, and also the links between different levels of government (municipal, state, national, and international). Particular attention is given to the practical challenges posed by the normative requirements of democracy. The emphasis upon democratic governance within multiple contexts (horizontal and vertical) distinguishes the course from traditional public policy studies, which concentrate primarily upon vertical governance within the public sector. Units in the course are grouped under four headings: public policy, government relations, community development, and local governance. In most units, a comparative approach is employed that situates experiences within a wider global context.

Career opportunities

The courses are designed as professional development programs for early or mid-career professionals or for those involved in or, seeking to become involved in, policy making and management within the public , community and business sectors, domestically and internationally.

Course Rules
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Politics and Policy, a student must successfully complete 4 credit points of study comprising: (a) 1 credit point of a compulsory core unit; and (b) 3 credit points of electives selected from the specified list of units below

Course structure

Core unit

Semester 2

AIP746 Democratic Governance  

Electives

Select 3 credit points from the following list of electives:

Semester 1

AIP740 Public Policy Analysis  

AIP745 Comparative Local Governance  

AIP752 Policy Studies Research Project  

AIP773 Governance and Accountability  

AIP775 Contracting and Public Private Partnerships  

ASD704 Community Development Theory and Practice A  

ASD711 Needs Assessment and Strategic Planning  

Semester 2

AIA718 Planning Theory, Urban Governance and the Law  

AIP717 Government and Business  

AIP738 Politics, Risk and Uncertainty  *

AIP748 Central-Local Relations  *

AIP747 Policy and Program Evaluation  

AIP774 Public Management  

AIP777 Accountability and Corporate Social Responsibility  

ALR782 Public Affairs and Opinion Formation  

ASD705 Community Development Theory and Practice B  

ASD712 Monitoring and Evaluation  

HSH724 Local Action for Healthy Cities and Communities  

* Not offered 2007. Offered 2008

Admission requirements
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.

In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicants previous academic record.

The minimum requirements are:
(i) successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from an approved university or other educational institution or
(ii) successful completion of other equivalent qualifications gained by examination or
(iii) approved professional or industrial experience

English language requirements - Postgraduate courses
Postgraduate applicants to Deakin University must demonstrate their competence in English by providing certified/notarised documentary evidence of one of the following. Unless otherwise stated, applicants must have satisfied the University’s minimum postgraduate English requirements no more than two years preceding the date of their enrolment at Deakin. Certain courses may require a higher level of English proficiency.

1. An overall band score of 6.5 or better in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test (Academic module) with no individual band score less than 6.
2. A score of 237 or better (essay rating 4.5) in the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
3. A score of 92 or better (writing score 21) in the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
4. A score of 580 or better (writing score 4.5) in the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
5. Satisfactory completion of a post-secondary qualification within the last five years at an institution where English is the language of instruction and assessment and evidence of at least two academic years of English language study.
6. Satisfactory completion of at least two academic years of full-time study in a university degree program where English is the language of instruction and assessment.
7. A minimum of three years professional practice in English, and/or satisfactory completion of study in English language leading to certification by the governing body of the profession. A letter from an employer on company letterhead stating that English is the language of business.
8. Completion of an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 4 program at the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) with a final assessment result of 60% or higher within the last twelve months prior to enrolment.
9. Satisfactory completion of the DUELI test of English language competence within in the last six months prior to enrolment.
10. Satisfactory completion of the Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP) at MIBT for admission into selected postgraduate courses at Deakin.
11. Other evidence of English language competence deemed acceptable by the Chair of the Academic Board.

University Profile
About 30 percent of Deakin students study by distance education.

Deakin has many years' experience in using online technologies to support and enhance the learning experiences of distance education students.

Distance education is an ideal choice for people who do not live near a campus to complete a course; or for people who wish to combine study with their job, as you may choose when and where you study.

Teaching and learning
Off-campus courses are the same as on-campus courses – the only difference is that rather than attend lectures, tutorials and practical classes in person, you study using a variety of other methods.

Deakin Studies Online (DSO)
DSO is Deakin University’s online teaching and learning environment. It delivers web-based course material and assessment tasks and facilitates communication and collaboration between staff and students.

DSO is being implemented as the university-wide learning management system.

Deakin's online environment gives you flexible and convenient access to learning resources and will enrich your learning experiences.

Distance Campus Support - Deakin University Student Association
The Distance Student section of the Deakin University Student Association website is devoted to information tailor-fitted to the needs of off-campus students on what DUSA in general and the Distance Campus Committee (DCC) in particular can do.

The DCC is here to represent YOU if you are a student at Deakin studying off-campus: looking out for your needs, putting you in contact with services, representing you to the University and making themselves available for advice.