Bachelor of Public Policy and Management

There is no intake into this course from 2008.

The Bachelor of Public Policy and Management (BPPM) is a professional degree for those aspiring to careers in Commonwealth, State and local government or community sectors. The program combines a strong theoretical focus with professional skills acquisition and practical knowledge.

The program is specifically designed to provide professional training for future generations of leaders in public policy and management. A variety of career pathways are available that draw on analytical, research and practical knowledge gained in this degree. Students interested in expanding their interests and knowledge in this area of expertise can go on to further postgraduate degree study at the University of Melbourne.

The Bachelor of Public Policy and Management (BPPM) aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills neccessary for successful managerial careers in the public service or the community sector. In particular graduates should be able to:

• design, evaluate and provide professional advice on government policy;
• use appropriate analytical and practical skills in the management of personnel and resources, public sector change and the use of policy research methods and tools;
• understand how governmentworks and how policy is made and implemented.

In each of the third and fourth years, students complete eight subjects (totalling 100 points at each year level). These points are made up of a series of core subjects and elective subjects. See the course structure below.

For information on policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy listed as part of the University Melbourne Policy Framework. Students also should also refer to information the Student Policy Directory

Students enrol in the Bachelor of Public Policy and Management (BPPM) at the end of their second year in an undergraduate degree.

At third year level students must undertake 100 points of study comprising:

• one core subject Public Policy Making
• Seven Elective Subjects with no more than 1 of those selected from List B

At Fourth year (pass degree) students must undertake 100 points of study comprising:

• 3 core subjects (50 points)
• Elective subjects totalling 50 points

Third Year Core Subject

Students enrolled in the BPPM must undertake the following core subject at 3rd year:

3rd Year List A Electives

A minimum of 6 (or equivalent) 12.5 point List A Electives must be undertaken at 3rd year:

3rd Year List B Electives

A maximum of 1 List B Elective may be selected:

4th year Core subjects

All three core subjects listed must be undertaken by students enrolled in the BPPM in fourth year.

4th Year List A Electives

Students of the BPPM must select four subjects from the following list to be taken at fourth year level:

There is no further entry into the BPPM.

Students considering study in public policy and management should consider the Master of Public Policy and Management.

The Bachelor of Public Policy & Management requires a standard level of ability across all disciplines. It will be assumed students are able to access and attend classes on a regular basis, are capable of learning in a University environment and will be able to take responsibility for their own learning. Any ability beyond this threshold will be robustly supported through the curriculum. Any intensive use of IT or technologies will be adequately supported. Certain subjects have more specific requirements and demands, such as fieldwork or travelling, which are clearly outlined in the Handbook's subject description.

However, the University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. The Faculty Disability Contact Officer works with students, the University Disability Liaison Unit and teaching staff to assist students with their special requirements, with a particular focus on accommodations for in-class and examination assessment tasks. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability.

There are many opportunities for further study available to students who have completed the Bachelor of Public Policy and Management including an Honours year which is available to highly achieving students completing the BPPM.

Masters and PhD options exist for BPPM graduates; both require an H2B average or higher in fourth-year honours.

http://www.unimelb.edu.au/about/attributes.html

Arts students are encouraged to pursue their academic interests and professional aspirations by taking a variety of subjects in a range of different areas of study. All arts subjects provide students with transferable generic skills that prepare them for further study and the workplace.

As a result of attendance at scheduled classes, participation in planned activities and discussion groups, and timely completion of essays and assignments, arts graduates should acquire transferable generic skills in the following areas:

• research

  through competent use of the library, electronic databases, and other information sources, and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research;

• critical thinking and analysis

  through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• thinking in theoretical terms

  through lectures, tutorial discussion, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences;

• thinking creatively

  through essay writing, creative writing, tutorial discussions and presentations, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgements and arguments from conflicting evidence and by critical analysis;

• understanding of social, ethical and cultural context

  through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument;

• communicating knowledge intelligibly and economically

  through essay writing and tutorial and seminar discussion;

• written communication

  through essay preparation and assignment writing;

• public speaking

  through tutorial and seminar discussion and class presentations;

• attention to detail

  through essay preparation and writing, and examination revision;

• time management and planning

  through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion and examination revision;

• teamwork

  through joint projects and group discussions.