Enrolments for this year have closed.
Keep exploring subjects
Undergraduate | LTU-POL3CAP-2023
Politics, Power and Public Policy
Study method
100% online
Assessments
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR needed
No prior study
Duration
12 weeks
Start dates
- 27 Feb 2023
About this subject
What you'll learn
- 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 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 reform, voluntary euthanasia, gambling reform, 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.
- Online activities (equivalent to 200 words). Online activities (e.g. quizzes) will be used to test students' knowledge of a range of topics covered in the subject. (15%)
- 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. (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.
Explore La Trobe courses.
QS Ranking 2023: 20
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023: 16
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Others
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Pursue a dream
Gain Uni credit
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following degrees
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG
Single subject FAQs
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.
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.
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
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.
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 .
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.