Evaluating Social Policy
PostgraduateMAQ-SOCX80202025
Previously MAQ-SOCX818
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 20 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 28 July 2025
- Price from
- $3,025
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Evaluating Social Policy
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to
- demonstrate specialised knowledge of evaluation design and approaches
- create technical models of a social project, program or policy that visually presents its organising logic
- critically analyse evidence from evaluations of social policy and public policy
- research and apply evaluation tools and approaches to assess social and public policy
- communicate knowledge, skills and ideas about evaluation research to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- "A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials."
This subject was previously known as SOCX818 Evaluation and the Policy Process.
Evaluation research is among the most common, and possibly most useful, forms of applied social science. Evaluation employs research methodologies to systematically assess a project, policy, program or social needs to set criteria. This unit surveys key topics and practice-based skills widely used in evaluation research that have potential applications in the public, non-profit, and for-profit private sectors. As this field of research is expansive, the unit primarily draws on case studies from social policy - public interventions that offer protection from social ills and are among those that impact most on everyday life - to provide focus for class sessions and assessments. Over the course of this unit, you will gain a clear understanding of key elements of evaluation research design, as well as the potential uses and misuses of this form of applied social policy research.
- Online journal (20%)
- Research report (40%)
- Take home examination (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
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:
MAQ-SOCX818 (Not currently available)
Others
20 cps at the 8000 level or above; or Admission to MPSP or MPASR or GradCertPASR or GradDipPASR or MPlan
NCCW (pre-2020 units) SGYX818, SOC818, SOCX818
NCCW (2020 and onwards) SOCI8020 Evaluating Social Policy
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
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
Master of Public and Social Policy
PostgraduateMAQ-PSP-MAS
PostgraduateOUA-PSU-GCE
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