In SPSW4010 students are introduced to key debates and perspectives on theory and methods in Social Policy and Administration. Topics such as the philosophical underpinnings of social research, the links between theory and method, ethical issues, justification of methodology and specific methods are explored. Students attend seminars and complete assessment related to their thesis topic, including literature reviews, a research proposal and an ethics application (where relevant). Students also attend a series of professional development workshops to enhance their scholarly abilities. These courses articulate with the topic-specific readings students do in consultation with their supervisors, and provide the foundation upon which students construct, conduct and write-up their research in the form of a thesis

This course builds advanced knowledge and understanding of historical, ideological, political and economic backgrounds to Australian social arrangements. Introduces students to the social policy processes of formulation, implementation and evaluation. Processes and elements of the policy analysis framework are utilised to closely examine some social policy domains (eg social security, health, education, housing, employment, disability, community mental health, corrections and policing) as well as the impact of several policies on the patterns of welfare experienced by people within major population groupings (eg immigrants, refugees, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples).

The Honours program provides students with an opportunity to pursue their undergraduate studies to a high level in an additional year of research-orientated study. It gives students a strong base from which to pursue further study or to gain employment that requires high-level conceptual, analytic, research and communication skills. Students undertaking the fourth year will expand their knowledge of an area of study to a degree not possible within a three-year course.