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Graduate Diploma of Policy and Applied Social Research
PostgraduateMAQ-POL-GDI2018
Course information for 2018 intake
Contribute to the strategic direction of Australia
Understand policy development to find employment in research, planning, social justice, community services and journalism. Gain skills in qualitative and quantitative research, evaluation and learn to critically analyse contemporary social policy
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 8
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Diploma of Policy and Applied Social Research
About this degree
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
- explain key processes through which social policy is developed
- assess how to appropriately apply either qualitative or quantitative methods to selected social research questions
- compare and critique different policy designs
- explain key aspects of social policy development processes
- explain and understand social research tools
- apply ethically and socially informed judgements to the use of social research
- communicate sociological concepts effectively to academic, policy and organisational audiences
- reflect on the role of social researchers in policy processes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
This degree is restricted. Students are required to apply and be approved by Macquarie University before they can enrol in subjects through OUA .
Students will need to submit an application form by mail with originals or certified copies and evidence of their previous degrees and academic transcripts.
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 complete the application form.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
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.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $19,096
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
This course has restricted enrolment. You must apply and be accepted before you can enrol in units.
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
Students wishing to articulate from the Macquarie Graduate Certificate in Policy and Applied Social Research must have at least a GPA of 4.2 out of 7.0. This equates to 3 pass grades and 1 Credit or better.
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:
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
Career opportunities
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.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Legislators | N/A^ | N/A^ |
| Policy Analysts | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
| Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.