Graduate Diploma of Policy and Applied Social Research

This degree is beneficial for those employed or who want employment in community-based and non-government service organisations; policy agencies in government; trade unions; local government; marketing and social research; and private consultancy. Many current students already work in social research jobs for government, the private sector and community organisations.

This degree is also beneficial for those wishing to embark on careers in social research, policy analysis and planning, social and community services, human services, public opinion, teaching in the field of social science or developing themselves as activists and advocates in fields concerned with social justice and social policy, and journalism.

Higher education

Applicants must hold an Australian level 7 undergraduate degree from a recognised tertiary institution with a GPA of not less than 4.0 out of 7.0

English Proficiency Requirements

International students require an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with minimum 6.0 in each band.

Applicants should contact the degree coordinator for information about Credit policies at Macquarie University.

Macquarie University recognises formal, informal and non-formal learning to support an individual's lifelong learning goals. An application for RPL will need the following support:

Evidence for formal learning

1. Official Academic transcript including all grades, on an institution letterhead. If your supporting documents are in a language other than English, this must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

2. Subject/Subject outlines 

You need to supply a copy of the subject outline to support your request for exemption of subjects at Macquarie University.

Evidence for informal and non-formal learning

Suitable portfolio items e.g. Certificates from accredited degrees, results from other non-credited degrees, certificates and statements from employer degrees or professional bodies, employment history and position descriptions, employers verifying your knowledge, skill and experience, details of community activities involving significant responsibilities, on-the-job assessment record, performance management reports etc.

To apply please refer to section F on the degree application form or contact us at https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-admin-services for more information

Students who have completed degrees or degrees in similar disciplines can apply for exemptions subject to providing the appropriate documentation.

To request for a prerequisite waiver, please refer to Macquarie's website at https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/non_award

Please note: All Macquarie subjects are now available in Semesters. Please refer to the Key Dates page for further information.

The degree is intended to develop your capabilities in applied social research and policy development. It enables you to build conceptual understanding and practical skills across a range of areas, including qualitative and basic quantitative social research methods and research design, evaluation and reflective as well as critical social analysis of contemporary policy issues, social policy and the policy process.

Recommended Study Pattern

Specific minimum requirements:

Required one of

SOCX810 Developing Social Policy (1)

SOCX818 Evaluation and the Policy Process (1)

Required one of

SOCX830 Doing Social Survey Research (1)

SOCX831 Qualitative Methods (1)

Required three of

SOCX810 Developing Social Policy (1)

SOCX818 Evaluation and the Policy Process (1)

SOCX821 Sociology of Institutions and Organisations (1)

SOCX830 Doing Social Survey Research (1)

SOCX831 Qualitative Methods (1)

SOCX863 Social Care and Human Services (1)

SOCX865 Political Economy for Social Policy and Research (1)

SOCX866 Work and Employment (1)

Required three of

GEOX802 Social Impact Assessment and Cross Cultural Negotiation (1)

GEOX809 Globalisation and Sustainable Development (1)

POIX825 Health Policy (1)

SOCX821 Sociology of Institutions and Organisations (1)

SOCX863 Social Care and Human Services (1)

SOCX865 Political Economy for Social Policy and Research (1)

SOCX866 Work and Employment (1)

TOTAL UNITS OF STUDY REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM 8

Award Requirements

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma in Policy and Applied Social Research students must complete eight compulsory subjects.

A student who is taking an unduly long time to complete a program of study may be excluded from further enrolment. An unduly long period of time is considered to be effective enrolment longer than 4 years for a Graduate Diploma.

On completion of admission you are bound by the University Terms and Conditions and must comply with present and future By-laws, Rules, Codes, and Policies, Procedures and Schedulesof Macquarie University.

Exit Points

Exit award means an approved lesser award that a student may elect to qualify with provided the requirements of the exit award have been met. Some exit awards are exit qualifications only and are not offered for admission. (This means that the student must meet the requirements of the year they were admitted into the program and not the current years requirements). For further information please contact Macquarie at https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-admin-services.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Please Note: Students who are having difficulty with completing their degree in 2018 due to units that are not available this year are requested to lodge an enquiry via https://ask.mq.edu.au/ entitled "OUA MPASR". Advice will be given by the department on a case by case basis in regards to replacement units.

This degree is restricted. Students are required to apply and be approved by Macquarie University before they can enrol in subjects through OUA.

Applications for the Graduate Diploma in Policy and Applied Social Research are due the Friday two weeks prior to the close of enrolment date for the study term you are applying for.

Please note that tudents who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy will not be permitted to register in Macquarie University degrees offered through OUA. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

The Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate of Policy and Applied Social Research has undergone a major change in 2017.

The new course structure is for new students commencing in 2017 and current students may follow the old structure.

Please contact Macquarie University for further assistance at https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-admin-services.