Minor Thesis - Public /Social Policy

Subject PPMN90002 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points: 18.75
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Regular meetings with the supervisor over two consecutive semesters of enrolment.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Enrolment in the Master of Public Policy and Management or Master of Social Policy

Corequisites:

Master of Public Policy and Management students only: POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2013
12.50
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Public Policy or Sociology at Undergraduate level

Non Allowed Subjects:

166-517 Minor Thesis - Public /Social Policy

166-522 / PPMN90005 Individual Research Project

Subject
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

(MPPM) Prof. Janine O'Flynn joflynn@unimelb.edu.au

(MSP) Prof. Paul Smyth smythp@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject involves a supervised thesis of 12 000 words, embodying the results of the student's own research.

Objectives:

On completion of this subject students should:

  • be able to demonstrate a specialist understanding of the subject being studied;
  • be able to show advanced skills of analysis pertinent to the subject;
  • be able to show a detailed sense of the theoretical debates in the subject area;
  • be able to demonstrate an ability to undertake critical independent research;
  • be able to show a good capacity to communicate research in written form.
Assessment:

A thesis of 12,000 words, due at the end of the second semester of enrolment.

The following Hurdle Requirements must be met in order for students to be eligible to submit the final Thesis:

1. Supervision: Regular supervisory meetings

2. Topic Proposal Form: To be submitted by the first week of the Semester of thesis enrolment

3. Progress Report: To be submitted half way through the thesis year

4. Thesis Draft: A full draft of the thesis is to be submitted approximately 5 weeks prior to the final thesis submission date.

Final Theses submitted after the due date and up to 10 working days late without an approved extension will be marked on a pass/fail basis only. Assessment that is submitted later than 10 working days will not accepted or marked.

Prescribed Texts:

none

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students should:

  • be able to conceptualise and plan a substantial project of original research;
  • be able to present material in draft form and engage productively with a supervisor;
  • be able to consolidate and enhance established skills in engaging creatively with a critical field;
  • be able to synthesise critical arguments and debates;
  • be able to test and develop new research methods in relation to ongoing debates;
  • be able to enhance drafting and writing skills, in both a critical and creative manner;
  • be able to manage time and study resources over a sustained period of time.
Notes:

PPMN90002 Minor Thesis - Public / Social Policy is available to students enrolled in the 100 - point program of the Master of Public Policy and Management or Master of Social Policy. Students are required to submit a 300 word thesis proposal by (30 Jan for sem 1 commencement or or 30 June for sem 2 commencement) for approval by the course coordinator.

PPMN90002 Minor Thesis - Public / Social Policy is also available to students enrolled in the final 100 points in the 200 point program of the Master of Public Policy and Management or Master of Social Policy. To be eligible to enrol in the thesis, students must have completed at least 37.5 points of core subjects within the program, with an average of H1 (80%) and have submitted a 300 word thesis proposal for approval by the course coordinator prior to the semester of enrolment in the thesis.

MPPM thesis students must also enrol in POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar (Feb Intensive).

Students are required to enrol in the thesis subject over two consecutive semesters.

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
100 Point Master of Social Policy
150 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
200 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
200 Point Master of Social Policy

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