Politics, Power and Public Policy
UndergraduateLTU-POL3CAP2025
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- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Start dates
- 3 Mar 2025
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Politics, Power and Public Policy
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse the major forces shaping the development of Australian public policy.
- Evaluate the major policies that are in place in a range of different areas of Australian public policy.
- Synthesise different theoretical perspectives on Australian public policy.
- Research and write clear and well structured essays at a third year level.
- Public Policy
- Power
- Morality Politics
- Inequality
- Neoliberalism
This level 3 (i.e. third year) subject focuses on the political dynamics of contemporary Australian public policy, examining the major forces driving policy in a range of different areas, and exploring what this reveals about power in Australia. The subject begins by introducing students to the major theoretical perspectives on power and policy-making, along with the historical and structural factors that shape government in Australia. It then focuses in depth on a selection of policy issues that have been central to the political agenda in recent years, including topics such as inequality, welfare policy, voluntary euthanasia, industrial relations, environmental policy and media regulation. The aim is to illuminate the power dynamics that are central to understanding politics in Australia, and to give students a deeper understanding of contemporary policy debates. This subject is particularly recommended for students who are planning a career in the media, in government, or in NGOs, and for students who wish to research an Australian topic in their Honours year. The teaching format involves a pre-recorded lecture each week along with a synchronous (i.e. "live") tutorial at which attendance is recommended.
- Online activities (e.g. quizzes, equivalent to 200 words) will be used to test students' knowledge of a range of topics covered in the subject. Four of these assessments will be held across the first four weeks of semester. (15%)
- Essay 1: (equivalent to 1600 words in total). This assignment will require students to research and write an essay on a specific topic related to the subject material. (35%)
- Essay 2: 2400 words. This assignment will require students to research and write an essay on a specific topic related to the subject material. (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Learn more about La Trobe University.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 17
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 15
Entry requirements
Others
Past La Trobe University students who have previously completed POL2CAP (Contemporary Australian Politics and Public Policy) are ineligible to enrol in this subject.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
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.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
UndergraduateLAT-AHS-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG
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