Australian Social Policy
UndergraduateADU-POLI20142026
Course information for 2026 intake
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 4 Jan 2026
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 10 weeks
- Start dates
- 12 Jan 2026
- Price from
- $2,400
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Australian Social Policy
About this subject
By the end of this 10-week course, you’ll be able to:
- Describe key policies that have shaped the delivery of human service provision in Australia.
- Examine the economic foundations of social policy orientations within historical contexts.
- Analyse Australian social policies in relation to issues of equity and equality.
- Debates and principles
- Social policy in Australia and Keynesian economics
- Neoliberalism and social policy
- Policy making and the human services
- Income maintenance and social exclusion
- Employment policy
- Health and family policy
- Aboriginal social policy
Build on the fundamentals learned in Politics and Citizenship in Australia (POLI1019) and further develop your understanding of Australian social policy. This course explores a range of social policy in Australia including employment, housing, health, and family policy. Develop your understanding of welfare provision in the 'post-welfare state' and what that means for achieving social justice. Understanding the mechanisms behind social policy development is vital for any professional employed in the social/human services profession.
Adelaide University's 10-week short courses give you the flexibility to upskill in a certain area, stay current with developments in your field, diversify your knowledge, or even explore a new direction in your career – without having to commit to the time and cost of a full university degree.
This is a second-year course from Adelaide University's Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology degree. When studying this course as a "single subject", prior knowledge from POLI 1013 or equivalent will support your success.
Delivered 100% online, you’ll be able to study where and when it suits you. Access online academic and student support seven days a week, fit study around work and life commitments, view learning resources 24/7, and log in to the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.
Should your course have an exam it will be scheduled for Australian Central Standard Time or Australian Central Daylight Time, depending on the time of the year.
- Continuous assessment (40%)
- Essay (60%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Adelaide University is Australia’s new major university, delivering an accessible, contemporary and future-focused teaching and learning experience. Adelaide University’s range of 100% online undergraduate and postgraduate programs is designed by experts and shaped by industry, with world-class research informing your learning. Experience flexible study, tailored student support when you need it, and on-demand learning resources. Join a vibrant community of online learners and launch your next move.
Learn more about Adelaide University.
Explore Adelaide University courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 8
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
USA-POLI2029 (Not currently available)
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units. myLearning is the Adelaide University's online learning environment. myLearning provides access to various features including announcements, course materials, discussion boards and assessments.
- Other requirements - Based on duty of care requirements, a student admitted to Adelaide University must be at least 17 years of age by the date of enrolment, in accordance with Adelaide University's Admission for Coursework Programs Procedure.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
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How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol 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 us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.