Key facts
UNE unit code: SOCY513
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Improve your understanding of public policy and develop an understanding of the processes through which governments create policies which are in the interests of the general public.
In this unit you will examine Australian social and public policy via concepts of the Australian Settlement, the Welfare State, and Neoliberalism. You will use contemporary case studies to examine how ideology shapes government policy decisions and outcomes. You will also examine the policy context from the perspective of policy actors.
You will reflect on major developments in Australian social policy in comparison with overseas trends, with an aim toward analysing the major socio-economic policy issues in both an Australian and international context.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of a range of contemporary approaches, concepts/theories and contexts of social policy and the 'welfare' state;
- critically evaluate and interpret the fundamental principles and processes of social policy making;
- reflect on major developments in Australian social policy in comparison with overseas trends, with an aim toward analysing the major socio-economic policy issues in both an Australian and international context;
- interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas, including problem solving skills to both specialist and non-specialist audiences through effective written and verbal communication; and
- model specialist analysis, research, and communication skills that contribute to life-long application in a professional career.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
| Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Supervised Exam. This online exam will be supervised via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 2000 |
| Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 400 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Australian Public Policy: Progressive ideas in the neoliberal ascendency
ISBN: 9781447312673
Chris Miller and Lionel Orchard, Policy Press, Bristol, UK 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
Learning Policy, Doing Policy: Interactions Between Public Policy Theory, Practice and Teaching
ISBN: 9781760464219
Trish Mercer, Russell Ayres, Brian Head and John Wanna, ANU Press 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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