Course Title: Integrated Policy and Research Project
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Integrated Policy and Research Project
Credit Points: 24.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
POLI1100 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
365H Global, Urban and Social Studies |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 2 2015, Sem 1 2016, Sem 2 2016, Sem 1 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 2 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 2 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021, Sem 1 2022, Sem 2 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 2 2023, Sem 1 2024 |
Course Coordinator: Alexa Ridgway
Course Coordinator Phone: +613 9925 8410
Course Coordinator Email: alexa.ridgway@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Building 37. Floor 4.
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Required Prior Study
You should have satisfactorily completed POLI1095 Evidence, Policy and Practice before you commence this course.
Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.
Course Description
This course will enable you to engage in a research project based on an issue relating to your professional context. It is designed as a capstone experience to enable you to synthesize and integrate knowledge, connect theory and practice as well as demonstrate holistic achievement of program learning outcomes.
The capstone experience requires you to identify, gather and utilise data and information to respond to a problem, need or industry issue. You will creatively explore real-world issues, simulating the role of policy worker in the professional practice context. The course provides an opportunity for you to more deeply investigate a particular area of scholarship and professional practice in the field.
It may be possible for you to align your project with your professional work if you are already employed in the sector, or to conduct the project in conjunction an organisation that you have a relationship with. This needs to be approved by the course coordinator.
This is a designated WIL course where your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace environment. You will undertake learning activities and assessments which are designed to support your career development.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Program Learning Outcomes
In course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:
- PLO2: Make use of complex theories, diverse evidence and modes of reasoning, to extend and challenge knowledge and practice in policy and social innovation.
- PLO3: Demonstrate research literacy in terms of recognizing and accounting for the potential and limitations of research findings and their application to policy problems.
- PLO4: Value ongoing professional development, diverse stakeholder engagement and collaborative relationships in the design and implementation of policy initiatives.
- PLO5: Use problem solving skills/methodologies to develop creative responses to contemporary social problems/policy issues.
- PLO6: Demonstrate well-developed written and oral communication skills and confidently construct, debate and critique policy arguments.
- PLO7: Independently develop and manage a professional project designed to contribute to policy change or social innovation.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Plan, design and manage an applied research project
- Engage with appropriate professional and scholarly literature
- Apply appropriate research approaches and methods to respond to an authentic industry problem or address contemporary issues faced in organisations
- Present a project which appropriately communicates the key findings and the implication of these for policy and practice.
Overview of Learning Activities
RMIT University is committed to supporting student diversity and inclusion and provides support to students with a disability, long-term illness and/or mental health condition. Students can register with the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) who will work with the student to develop an Equitable Learning Plan (ELP) to be shared with their School. The plan will include any adjustments that are required for study and/or assessment conditions.
The course may be offered in online and face-to-face modes. You will participate in workshops/seminars through the semester as well as undertaking independent research activities. You will be actively engaged in learning that involves class discussion and peer critique.
If you are undertaking a project with an industry partner, a WIL agreement/Student Undertaking must be completed. Students cannot commence their WIL activity until they have received a confirmation email from the School, with a copy of their approved [WIL agreement/Student Undertaking]. Supervision arrangements must be outlined in the WIL Agreement/Student Undertaking.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. A list of recommended learning resources will be provided, including books, journal articles and web resources. An introductory overview of key literature, concepts and processes/methods relevant to your project and working with industry will be available as well as additional references are also provided to you if you wish to follow particular themes in more detail. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.
There are services and resources available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT student website.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of your learning. You will be able to develop your work in relation to your own specific areas of interest in your professional practice. You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes.
Assessment Tasks
Research Proposal 10% (CLO 1) - 500 words
Progress Report 20% (CLO 1-4) - 1000 words
Final Report 70% (CLO 1-4) - 7000-8000 words
Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.