Politics, Power and Public Policy
UndergraduateLTU-POL3CAP2026
Course information for 2026 intake View information for 2025 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 22 Feb 2026
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Price from
- $2,174
- Upfront cost
- $0
- 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 domestic Australian public policy, examining the major forces shaping policy in a range of different areas, and exploring what this reveals about power in Australia. In the first section of the subject, you will be introduced to some of the key concepts and debates that underpin the study of public policy, examining whether policy-making is a rational process and the different ways in which power can be understood (and exercised). You will also examine some of the major historical and structural factors that shape policy, and the extent to which this varies between countries, focusing on gun control and media policy as case studies. In the second section of the subject, the focus shifts to "morality politics". You will examine the philosophical debate over the government regulation of individual behaviour on moral grounds and examine the implications of these debates for public policy, focusing particularly on gambling regulation and voluntary euthanasia. The third section of the subject then examines the relationship between the government and the market. You will examine some of the major theoretical perspectives on this topic, focusing particularly on historical institutionalism, Marxism and power resource theory; and explore how these analytical frameworks can help explain the changing role of the government in the economy, the rise of neoliberalism, and climate change policy. The final section of the subject focuses on a range of policy issues linked to questions of social justice. It examines domestic policy towards First Nations people as an on-going site of colonisation; stability and change in industrial relations policy and their implications for power in the workplace; and the changing nature of the welfare state and its implications for inequality and disadvantage in Australia. By the end of the subject, you will have a stronger understanding of contemporary policy debates and the power dynamics that are central to shaping politics in Australia. This subject is particularly recommended if who are planning a career working for the media, the government, NGOs, or if you want to deepen your understanding of political change. The teaching format involves a pre-recorded lecture each week along with a synchronous (i.e. "live") tutorial at which attendance is recommended.
- Online quiz (early assessment) on the material covered in the first 4 weeks of the semester (equivalent to 400 words). (10%)
- Weekly online quiz (for weeks 5-12) on the material covered in the lecture and essential reading (equivalent to 400 words). (10%)
- Essay 1 (equivalent to 1400 words in total). This assignment will require students to research and write an essay on a specific topic related to the subject material. (30%)
- Essay 2: 2300 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.
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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-ART-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
UndergraduateLAT-AHS-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
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