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Policy Methods and Practice

Policy principles and compatible policy methods, suitable for specific types of policy challenges, based on theoretical frameworks for science, knowledge systems (with various types of evidence and scientific uncertainties) and values in policy decisions and implementation.

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08 Jul 2026 | Wellington (Pipitea)

Sessions
Session 1 | 8 Jul 1:30pm - 5:45pm
Session 2 | 22 Jul 1:30pm - 5:45pm
Session 3 | 5 Aug 1:30pm - 5:45pm
Session 4 | 16 Sep 1:30pm - 5:45pm
Session 5 | 28 Sep 1:30pm - 5:45pm
Registration not available

Course overview

This course examines the roles of knowledge and values in public policy, as reflected in policy methods and practices. Students learn about conceptualisations of science and implications for methods of policy analysis and decisions. Key categories of methods are examined, such as risk analysis and communication, framing analysis, evidence-focused methods and participatory methods. The latter includes approaches to integrate citizen science and indigenous knowledge in policy analysis. The course also explores ways to communicate uncertainties and to identify misinformation in the policy arena.

Taught on campus in an accessible block format designed for working professionals, the course will be appropriate for anyone in the public sector— your workplace experience is an asset, not a barrier. Credits earned count towards a postgraduate qualification at Victoria University of Wellington.

What you'll learn

  1. Apply appropriate strategies and methods to elicit knowledge for policy purposes
  2. Make adequate decisions on the sources, reliability and limitations of various types of evidence necessary for decision-making
  3. Apply suitable principles/strategies to address a diversity of uncertainty types affecting decision-making and communicate uncertainties effectively
  4. Select, design and justify processes/methods to elicit and integrate values and insights from different ways of knowing, including mātauranga Māori, into decision-making

Delivered By

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Valentina Dinica

Further Information

Block taught over 12 weeks from the 8th of July until the 30th of September. The course is Face to Face, with afternoon seminars (approximately 4 hours each.) 

This is a credit bearing course and does include assessment items. Assessment is designed to be at the right level for your learning, and aligned to your work practice. Assessment items for this course are:

  1. Policy brief on methods (1400 words) – Mark: 30%
  2. Participatory Plan (1800 words) – Mark: 35%
  3. Advisory Report (1800 words) – Mark: 35%

By passing this course, you will receive 15 points that can be transferred into other Post-graduate programmes within the Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington School of Business and Government. 

You will also receive a digital badge that will allow you to share your learning with your professional networks, and enhave your CV. 

This course is also equitable to 150 hours/points of CPD.

The fee for this course includes the Student Services Levy (SSL.) 

The levy is a contribution towards student support services delivered by and through the University to help ensure the best academic outcomes for every student.

To find out how much your levy costs and see a full list of the valuable services available, see the Student Services Levy page.

Upcoming Courses & Delivery Options

08 Jul 2026 | Wellington (Pipitea)

Duration: 5×4 hour sessions over 12 weeks

Sessions
Session 1 | 8 Jul 1:30pm - 5:45pm
Session 2 | 22 Jul 1:30pm - 5:45pm
Session 3 | 5 Aug 1:30pm - 5:45pm
Session 4 | 16 Sep 1:30pm - 5:45pm
Session 5 | 28 Sep 1:30pm - 5:45pm

$NZD 2,082

excl. GST

Registration not available
Policy Methods and Practice