This course comprises a supervised research project supported and complemented by class and supervisory discussions. It is designed for high performing students who have taken Policy Research (POGO8096) and wish to undertake extended original research in a selected area of policy and governance. Students will identify their own research topic in discussion with the course convenor, and thereafter frame appropriate research questions and hypotheses or propositions, adopt appropriate research methodology, develop an analytical framework, conduct necessary detailed research, and write an academic research paper -- with supervision being provided by a member of staff. The completed paper is expected to make a contribution to relevant policy and governance debates, while also adding to the academic literature on policy and governance.
The 12 units of this course can be completed either in one semester or split over two semesters (with 6 units in each). Students who wish to undertake only a 6-unit research project should enrol in POGO8035 instead.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Develop a relevant and feasible research question relating to significant problems in policy and governance
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of the key elements of research in policy and governance.
- Articulate how research and analysis of important issues can inform policy debates and deliberations.
- Integrate relevant theory and practice through the development of appropriate analytical frameworks to guide and inform empirical studies.
- Conduct systematically researched, evidence-based policy development, implementation, advice or evaluation to address contemporary public policy challenges.
- Apply these understandings to the policy and governance context addressed by your specific study.
- Effectively communicate research findings for scholarly and policy audiences.
Other Information
Each student is required to identify and secure a supervisor for the duration of the project. Qualified students interested to enrol in the course will be provided with advice on how to secure a supervisor. Department consent is required to enrol. Please contact Crawford.degrees@anu.edu.au if you are interested.
Indicative Assessment
- Research Project Description (5) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
- Project Pitch (5) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
- Project Management Plan (5) [LO 1,4]
- Research Project Reflection (5) [LO 3]
- Research paper (12,000 words) (80) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
There are approximately 6-8 contact hours for academic skills workshop and presentations plus time spent with individual supervisors. As this is a research project, students will spend most time working independently. The workload is potentially higher than for a normal 12-unit course. Students are also required to attend group discussion sessions and academic research skills workshops.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Crawford School of Public Policy to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
A variety of texts and resources to support students’ development of research skills will be available in the course Wattle site.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 to 12 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
| 7.00 | 0.14583 |
| 8.00 | 0.16667 |
| 9.00 | 0.18750 |
| 10.00 | 0.20833 |
| 11.00 | 0.22917 |
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $780 per unit |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $1120 per unit |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Campus | ||||||
| 3943 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | N/A |
| Online | ||||||
| 3944 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | Online | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Campus | ||||||
| 8932 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |
| Online | ||||||
| 8933 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | Online | N/A |