Course Learning Outcomes and Minimum Standards
A300 Bachelor Arts Major on Politics and Policy Studies AQF Level 7
Deakin Graduate Learning
Outcomes
1. Disciplinespecific
knowledge and
capabilities:
appropriate to
the level of study
related to a
discipline or
profession.
AQF Bachelor Degree Descriptor1
Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will
have:
Knowledge : A broad and coherent
body of knowledge, with depth in the
underlying principles and concepts in
one or more disciplines as a basis for
independent lifelong learning.
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AQF Level 7 (Bachelor Degree)
Criteria*
Knowledge : Broad and coherent
theoretical and technical knowledge with
depth in one or more disciplines or areas of
practice.
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Application of knowledge and skills :
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 with initiative and judgement in
planning, problem solving and
decision making in professional
practice and/or scholarship
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Skills : Well developed cognitive, technical
(and communication) skills to select and
apply methods and technologies to:
 analyse and evaluate information to
complete a range of activities.
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Skills : Cognitive and technical skills to
demonstrate a broad understanding of
knowledge with depth in some areas.
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Bachelor of Arts (Course
Learning Outcomes [CLOs])
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Politics and Policy Studies Major
Sequence
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Minimum Standards
(relating to CLOs)
Demonstrate a broad and
coherent body of knowledge in
the Arts disciplines, with depth
in the underlying principles
and concepts in one or more
disciplines or areas of practice.
Review and analyse major
theoretical, conceptual, and policy
debates about the nature and
significance of politics and
governance, the differences between
political systems, and the contexts in
which they operate.
Demonstrate a broad and coherent
knowledge of the concepts and
theories of political science as applied
to the analysis of interests, ideas,
institutions, and political behaviour,
and policies.
Demonstrate highly developed
skills in oral, written and
electronic communication and
the ability to communicate
research outcomes, and
produce scholarly papers.
Effectively communicate the findings
and analyses of research that deploys
political concepts, theories and
technical knowledge, in a selection of
written, digital and oral formats, and
to a range of readers and audiences.
Demonstrate well-developed skills to
communicate ideas, arguments and
analyses in written, digital and oral
formats, for a diverse range of readers
and audiences and in ways that meet
academic and professional standards.
Note: ensure at appropriate AQF specifications and
criteria (see columns 2 & 3)
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 to adapt knowledge and skills in
Application of knowledge and skills : Apply
knowledge (and skills) to demonstrate
autonomy, well-developed judgement and
responsibility:
 within broad parameters to provide
specialist advice and functions.
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diverse contexts
2. Communication:
using oral,
written and
interpersonal
communication
to inform,
motivate and
effect change. #
Skills: Communication skills to present
a clear, coherent and independent
exposition of knowledge and ideas.
Application of knowledge and skills:
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 to adapt knowledge and skills in
diverse contexts
Skills: Well developed (cognitive, technical
and) communication skills to select and
apply methods and technologies to:
 (analyse, generate and) transmit
solutions to unpredictable and
sometimes complex problems
 transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to
others.
Application of knowledge and skills: Apply
knowledge and skills to demonstrate
(autonomy), well-developed judgement and
responsibility:
 within broad parameters to provide
specialist advice and functions
1
The text in the 2nd and 3rd columns is taken directly from the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Second Edition January 2013 (www.aqf.edu.au). In relation to each of the Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLO), the full text from the AQF is reproduced. However, some concepts from the AQF
specifications may not apply to a particular Graduate Learning Outcome – in these cases, they have placed in parentheses.
A300 Bachelor Arts Major on Politics and Policy Studies AQF Level 7
Deakin Graduate Learning
Outcomes
3. Digital literacy:
using
technologies to
find, use and
disseminate
information.
AQF Bachelor Degree Descriptor1
Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will
have:
Skills: (Cognitive and) technical skills to
demonstrate a broad understanding of
knowledge with depth in some areas.
Application of knowledge and skills:
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 to adapt knowledge and skills in
diverse contexts
AQF Level 7 (Bachelor Degree)
Criteria*
Skills: Well developed (cognitive), technical
and communication skills to select and
apply methods and technologies to:
 analyse and evaluate information to
complete a range of activities
 analyse, generate and transmit solutions
to unpredictable and sometimes complex
problems
 transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to
others.
Bachelor of Arts (Course
Learning Outcomes [CLOs])
Politics and Policy Studies Major
Sequence
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Minimum Standards
(relating to CLOs)
Research, analyse, synthesise
and disseminate information
using a range of appropriate
technologies and resources in
a rapidly-changing global
environment.
Employ a range of generic and
specialist politics-specific digital
communication technologies to apply
political knowledge, to conduct
political research, and to deliver
reports and presentations to a
diverse range of readers and
audiences within and outside the
field.
Demonstrate the ability to employ a
range of generic and specialist politicsspecific digital communication
technologies to locate, analyse,
evaluate and disseminate information
Use critical and analytical
thinking and judgment in
selecting and applying
appropriate theories and
methodologies to evaluate
information and knowledge
about society, culture and the
arts.
Analyse and critically evaluate
different interpretations of political
phenomena. Demonstrate
knowledge of the different
research methods used to
investigate political phenomena.
Recognise the importance of
ethical standards of conduct in the
research and analysis of politics
Note: ensure at appropriate AQF specifications and
criteria (see columns 2 & 3)
Application of knowledge and skills: Apply
knowledge and skills to demonstrate
(autonomy), well-developed judgement and
responsibility:
 within broad parameters to provide
specialist advice.
4. Critical thinking:
evaluating
information
using critical and
analytical
thinking and
judgment.
Skills: Cognitive skills to review
critically, analyse, consolidate and
synthesise knowledge.
Skills: Well developed cognitive (technical
and communication) skills to select and
apply methods and technologies to:
 analyse and evaluate information to
Cognitive (and technical) skills to
complete a range of activities
demonstrate a broad understanding of
knowledge with depth in some areas.
 analyse, generate and transmit solutions
to unpredictable and sometimes complex
Cognitive and creative skills to exercise
problems.
critical thinking and judgement in
identifying and solving problems with
Application of knowledge and skills: Apply
intellectual independence.
knowledge and skills to demonstrate
autonomy, well-developed judgement and
Application of knowledge and skills:
responsibility:
Demonstrate the application of
 within broad parameters to provide
knowledge and skills:
specialist advice.
 with initiative and judgement in
planning, problem solving and
decision making in professional
practice and /or scholarship
 to adapt knowledge and skills in
diverse contexts.
A300 Bachelor Arts Major on Politics and Policy Studies AQF Level 7
Demonstrate well-developed critical
thinking through analysis and
evaluation of key theoretical
approaches to problems of politics and
governance Recognise the importance
of ethical standards of conduct in the
research and analysis of politics.
Deakin Graduate Learning
Outcomes
5. Problem solving:
creating
solutions to
authentic
(real world and
ill-defined)
problems.
AQF Bachelor Degree Descriptor1
Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will
have:
Skills: Cognitive and creative skills to
exercise critical thinking and judgment
in identifying and solving problems
with intellectual independence.
Application of knowledge and skills:
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 with initiative and judgement in
planning, problem solving and
decision making in professional
practice and /or scholarship
 to adapt knowledge and skills in
diverse contexts.
AQF Level 7 (Bachelor Degree)
Criteria*
Skills: Well developed cognitive, technical
(and communication) skills to select and
apply methods and technologies to:
 analyse and evaluate information to
complete a range of activities
 analyse, generate (and transmit)
solutions to unpredictable and
sometimes complex problems.
Bachelor of Arts (Course
Learning Outcomes [CLOs])
Politics and Policy Studies Major
Sequence
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Minimum Standards
(relating to CLOs)
Apply cognitive, technical and
creative skills to generate
solutions to unpredictable and
sometimes complex problems
in the Humanities, Social
Sciences and the Creative Arts,
including cross-disciplinary
approaches.
Employ initiative and creativity when
using accepted evidence-based
methods of political science to
generate approaches and solutions
to complex problems of politics and
governance at all levels from
interpersonal relations to forums at
local, national, regional, and global
levels.
Demonstrate an ability to recognise
evidence-based argument and
evaluation. Gather, organise, and use
evidence from a variety of secondary
and primary sources. Indentify,
investigate, analyse, formulate, and
advocate solutions to problems
Note: ensure at appropriate AQF specifications and
criteria (see columns 2 & 3)
Application of knowledge and skills: Apply
knowledge and skills to demonstrate
autonomy, well-developed judgement and
responsibility:
 within broad parameters to provide
specialist advice.
6. Selfmanagement:
working and
learning
independently,
and taking
responsibility for
personal actions.
Application of knowledge and skills:
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 with initiative and judgement in
planning, problem-solving and
decision making in professional
practice and/or scholarship
 with responsibility and
accountability for own learning and
professional practice (and in
collaboration with others) within
broad parameters.
Application of knowledge and skills: Apply
knowledge and skills to demonstrate
autonomy, well developed judgement and
responsibility:
 in contexts that require self-directed
learning
 within broad parameters to provide
specialised advice and functions.
Demonstrate autonomy,
responsibility and
accountability for personal
actions and a continued
commitment to learning in
personal, professional, and
scholarly contexts.
Demonstrate autonomy,
responsibility, accountability and a
continued commitment to learning
and skill development, as a reflective
practitioner, while working in
political science.
Demonstrate a level of self-directed
learning, self- management and
reflection that has influenced the
student’s academic, personal and
professional development.
7. Teamwork:
working and
learning with
others from
different
disciplines and
backgrounds.
Application of knowledge and skills:
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 with responsibility and
accountability for own learning and
professional practice and in
collaboration with others within
broad parameters.
The AQF makes no specific reference to
criteria/standards associated with
teamwork.
Work and learn collaboratively
with colleagues, other
professionals and members of
the wider community.
Work and learn collaboratively with
others in the field of political science
and from different disciplines and
backgrounds while still maintaining
responsibility for one’s own learning
Demonstrate an ability to work
collaboratively and constructively with
others through taking responsibility
and accountability for team outcomes
as well as self-learning.
A300 Bachelor Arts Major on Politics and Policy Studies AQF Level 7
Deakin Graduate Learning
Outcomes
8. Global
citizenship:
engaging
ethically and
productively in
the professional
context and with
diverse
communities and
cultures in a
global context
AQF Bachelor Degree Descriptor1
Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will
have:
Application of knowledge and skills:
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 to adapt knowledge and skills in
diverse contexts
 with responsibility and
accountability for own learning and
professional practice and in
collaboration with others within
broad parameters.
(Note: this second dot point from the
AQF descriptor does not relate
specifically and directly to global
citizenship; however may be indirectly
related to ethical engagement within a
professional context and/or within
diverse communities and cultures by
way of its link to responsibility.)
A300 Bachelor Arts Major on Politics and Policy Studies AQF Level 7
AQF Level 7 (Bachelor Degree)
Criteria*
The AQF makes no specific reference to
criteria/standards associated with global
citizenship.
Bachelor of Arts (Course
Learning Outcomes [CLOs])
Demonstrate an awareness of
ethical issues, cultural
diversity, and social
responsibility when engaging
in scholarship and professional
roles in the local, national or
international community.
Politics and Policy Studies Major
Sequence
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Minimum Standards
(relating to CLOs)
Analyse and address political issues
in both domestic and global contexts
as a reflective scholar and
practitioner, taking into
consideration cultural and socioeconomic diversity, social and
environmental responsibility and the
application of the highest ethical
standards
Demonstrate understanding and
consideration of cultural and socioeconomic diversity, social and
environmental responsibility, and the
application of the highest ethical
standards to all aspects of learning and
work in the field of political science.
Note: ensure at appropriate AQF specifications and
criteria (see columns 2 & 3)