Course overview
This course offers students the opportunity to spend a semester as interns working under the direction of a Member of the State Parliament while completing an agreed research task. Students will be required to conduct intensive research on a single public policy topic (under the guidance of an academic supervisor). Final placement will depend upon availability and the application of an internal quota based on GPA. In order to complete the process of placement allocation, students should finalise their enrolment by the completion of the normal enrolment period and cannot be considered if not enrolled before 30 April.
Course learning outcomes
- Work in a political environment.
- demonstrate theoretical, critical and methodological knowledge of public policy issues in a practical form that mirrors post-university professional work.
- develop, manage and complete a research project at an advanced level.
- design reports/policy briefs, design and deliver presentations and progress reports consistent with professional standards.
- show an awareness of the ways in which contemporary professional, industry organisations, community and/or government agencies engage with politicians and help shape policy debates.
- understand the ways in which social sciences research skills, methods, knowledge and information are relevant to post-university working life and advance career prospects and applications accordingly.