Public Policy

How can I study Public Policy?

Bachelor of Arts (a single or extended major in Public Policy)

What is Public Policy?

Studies in Public Policy are designed to help students come to grips with issues of modern governance in general and with the institutions and processes of public policy in particular. The main focus of studies in this area is on the political, institutional, economic, social and ideological forces that shape Australian governance and public policy. The questions that students completing the major should be equipped to answer include: How do we formulate and analyse economic, environmental, social or foreign policy? Which groups have the most say? How do we understand the complexities of the policy system and make sense of what governments do? Is the public policy process ‘rational’? How do we design better policies? What knowledge and skills do policy-makers need?

What job can I get?

The types of organisations that seek graduates with the analytical abilities provided by the Public Policy major include, but are not limited to: all levels of government in Australia; international aid organisations; peak business organisations; interest and lobby groups; welfare organisations; and community groups. Career options include policy-making and advisory positions in government agencies, private enterprise, non-government organisations and international organisations; business-government liaison officers; and community development positions both domestically and internationally. [more]