Introduction to Politics and Policy
UndergraduateTAS-HPP1012027
Course information for 2027 intake View information for 2026 course intake
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 14 Feb 2027
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Price from
- $2,652
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Politics and Policy
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Explain key concepts, theories, and approaches used in the study of politics, public policy, and international relations.
- Analyse political institutions, systems of governance and political processes at local, national and global levels.
- Apply political concepts and theories to contemporary political and policy challenges.
- Communicate ideas and evidence-based arguments coherently in written and/or oral formats using referencing and style conventions as appropriate.
- What is Politics?
- Freedom and Equality
- Power
- The State. Democracy
- Constitutions. Parliamentary and presidential systems
- Unitary government and Federalism. The Australian political system
- Elections and voting. Political parties and party systems
- Political leadership. Political activism
- The media. Governance and the State
- Governing the commons: markets, hierarchies and communities. Sustainability governance
- The policy process; Policy development and design
- Policy implementation; Policy failure
This subject provides a foundation for the study of politics, public policy, and international relations. Students are introduced to key concepts, theories and debates that shape political life, including power, the state, democracy, governance, and ideology. Students examine how political institutions and processes operate across different levels, from local and national governance in Australia, including the Constitution, federalism, elections, parliament and the party system, to international organisations and systems of global governance, including the United Nations and other institutions that shape international cooperation and global affairs. Through contemporary examples and case studies, students develop the analytical, critical thinking and communication skills needed to understand and evaluate political and policy issues in Australia and around the world.
- Tutorial Learning Portfolio and Presentation (30%)
- Annotated Bibliography and Essay Plan (30%)
- Major Essay (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Teaching Arrangement: 1-hour Weekly seminar (online) and 2-hour Weekly tutorial (online)
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
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Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Diploma of University Studies (Arts Pathway)
UndergraduateTAS-USA-DIP
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