This course is available for on-campus & online learning. All students participate in interactive, real-time classes. 2026 dates: Jun 11, 18 & Jul 2.
In an era of information overload and competing claims, the ability to distinguish sound evidence from persuasive rhetoric is essential for effective policy work. This course equips students with the analytical tools to evaluate, question, and apply evidence in real-world decision-making contexts. Students will learn to critically assess the strength and relevance of evidence underlying arguments and propositions, and to identify the key questions that must be asked – and answered rigorously – when analysing policy proposals. Ultimately, this course will give you the understanding and knowledge to answer the following two questions:
- Should I believe what this person is telling me?
- How do I come to a credible decision that is evidence-based?
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Evaluate the evidence supporting arguments or propositions.
- Recognise relevant questions to be asked in analysing policy proposals and answer those questions in a valid and reliable way.
- Assess the validity of policy evidence offered by policy actors.
- Apply Evidence Based Thinking to a major policy decision.
Work Integrated Learning
Simulation/Virtual
The in-class sessions feature several simulation activities designed to Apply EBT skills on real policies.
Indicative Assessment
- Reading reflections (600 words) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Presentation (equivalent to 900 words) (30) [LO 1,3]
- Policy Briefing (1,500 words) (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Approximately 18 hours of direct contact and approximately 50 hours outside class.
Inherent Requirements
N/A
Prescribed Texts
None
Preliminary Reading
Parkhurst, Justin. The Politics of Evidence: From evidence-based policy to the good governance of evidence. New York: Routledge, 2016.
Assumed Knowledge
Nil
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 3 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 3.00 | 0.06250 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $2520 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $3600 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Campus | ||||||
| 6846 | 01 Jul 2027 | TBA | TBA | 05 Aug 2027 | In Person | N/A |
| Online | ||||||
| 6847 | 01 Jul 2027 | TBA | TBA | 05 Aug 2027 | Online | N/A |