Master of Policy and Applied Social Research
MPASR Individual Project GuidelinesAdmission requirements
A first degree with a major in sociology or another social science; or other tertiary qualifications combined with relevant work experience; or extensive practical experience in policy analysis or applied social research with few formal qualifications.
The last category of applicants may be required to complete a qualifying program of relevant undergraduate units prior to entering the Master degree program. Applicants may be called for an interview as part of the selection process.
Length of candidature: 2-4 years part-time
Course requirements: 8 units or 6 units project (total 32 pg credit points)
Attendance: Internal; part-time
Commencement: March, August
Fees: HELP
Enquiries: Dr Ben Spies-Butcher (02) 9850 8037, (02) 9850 4074
Program description:
The program of study aims to develop student's skills in applied social research and the analysis of policy in social context. It builds skills in qualitative and basic quantitative social research, research design, evaluation, and reflective as well as critical social analysis of the contemporary policy process.
The program is intended for those who are employed or who want employment in: community-based and non-government service organisations; policy agencies in government; trade unions; local government; marketing and social research; and private consultancy.
Time commitment demanded of students:
Students who enrol in the program need to make sufficient time available to regularly attend classes and to prepare for classes (normally 3-4 hours reading per week) as well as to fulfil the assessment requirements of the course. Students are expected to pass all units in the program in order to maintain their candidature in it.
Designing your program of study:
All programs of study must be discussed with and authorised by the Convenor of the Masters of Policy and Applied Social Research. They must conform to the course requirements presented below. The Convenor will work with individual students to make their programs of study fit their career aspirations and needs.
Course Requirements:
All candidates must complete four core units (16 credit points):
Core Units:
Plus:
PATTERN A:
Four additional units, normally at 800 level selected from MPASR units and/or from cognate postgraduate programs:
These may include no more than two units from undergraduate coursework electives at 300 level.
or PATTERN B:
Two additional units at 800 level and a research project (8 credit points) under the supervision of academic staff.SOC816/817 Individual Project
This option offers students the opportunity to design and implement a research project under academic supervision. Admission to the research project will be conditional on students achieving at least a Credit average in their coursework, and will be subject to the availability of supervision.
Satisfactory Progress
Satisfactory progress will be deemed as comprising a passing grade in each component of the degree, including the two unit individual project. Where candidates do not meet these requirements they will be asked to show cause why their cadidature should not be terminated.