Public Policy

Special Topic: Statistics and Data Analysis

Restriction: POLICY 742, 769, POLITICS 769

Policy Analysis and Evaluation

Provides a solid practical and theoretical basis for public policy analysis. Examines criteria for effective policy-making as well as competing models of the policy process. Concepts and approaches covered include: problem definition, writing policy briefs, project implementation, reflexive policy-making, cost-benefit and impact analysis. Students will use these concepts and methods to explore substantive topics of their choice.

Restriction: POLITICS 748

Economics of Policy

Applies economic reasoning to current problems in policy and government. Covers fundamentals of market economy, competition policy, welfare and taxation, market failure, problems of collective choice, growth and development, the structure of the macroeconomic system, and the role of public finance agencies in the management of the economy.

Restriction: POLICY 743

Applied Policy Project

Supervised project on an applied policy topic agreed between the student and a nominated supervisor. Students will produce a project proposal, progress report, dissemination plan, final report, and reflective comments.

Prerequisite: POLICY 701 or 769

Restriction: POLITICS 737, 774

Policy Design, Analysis and Implementation

Provides a critical overview of the policy process including problem definition, co-design as well as focusing on a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to policy analysis, including cost-benefit analysis, regulatory impact analysis and gender and diversity impact assessments.

Restriction: POLICY 701

Government and Policy: New Zealand Compared

Examines New Zealand's machinery of government at both central and local level. Analyses the relative impact of institutions, interests and ideas on public policy outcomes in New Zealand and internationally. Applies these understandings to the methods and processes associated with policy transfer and lesson drawing cross-nationally.

Restriction: POLITICS 756, 757

Statistics and Data Analysis for Policy

Provides the fundamentals of statistical analysis and examines the use of different types of data used in evidence-based policy making, as well as the issues associated with the advent, use and governance of big data. Covers research design choices and quantitative methods for policy analysis.

Restriction: POLICY 769, POLITICS 769

Economics, Budgets and Bureaucrats

Applies key concepts and tools of economic analysis to contemporary policy problems. Focuses on the allocation of the economy’s resources, the budget process and the role of public finance agencies, rationales for government intervention in a market economy, and the impact of expenditure and taxation on the economy and citizens’ wellbeing.

Restriction: POLICY 702

Policy in Practice

Provides a practical opportunity for participants to work with a policy agency in an advisory capacity to develop evidence-informed recommendations addressing a complex policy problem. Engages students in a team-based exercise that applies the knowledge and skills gained from completing the core courses in a way that informs “real world” policy decisions.

Prerequisite: POLICY 740-743

Restriction: POLICY 737, POLITICS 774

Research Project - Level 9

To complete this course students must enrol in POLICY 790 A and B, or POLICY 790

Dissertation - Level 9

Develops students' ability to design and undertake a policy-related research project under supervision and to present a written report of 15,000 words.

Prerequisite: POLICY 742

Restriction: POLICY 793

To complete this course students must enrol in POLICY 792 A and B, or POLICY 792

Dissertation - Level 9

Prerequisite: POLICY 742

Restriction: POLICY 792

To complete this course students must enrol in POLICY 793 A and B, or POLICY 793

Thesis - Level 9

To complete this course students must enrol in POLICY 794 A and B