Master of Public Policy
Conceive and create the frameworks of society
Public policy shapes our lives. It governs everything from how we do business, to how our health, welfare and education systems operate, and how our nation engages with the world.
Those who set and/or influence policy can create profound change by improving things like community equity, diversity, wellbeing, security and prosperity. Our Master of Public Policy prepares you to take the lead.
What will you do?
The Master’s program is studied over two years full-time, or 18 months if extending a past bachelor degree.
It provides specialist knowledge in policy processes and governance institutions; advanced skills in policy analysis and research; and the capability to design and implement sound policy in complex environments.
Highly interdisciplinary, the degree integrates knowledge from the University’s world-class experts in: politics; international relations; economics; law; environmental and social sciences; strategic communications; philosophy and more. You will gain:
- deep understanding of political, legal and ethical issues affecting public policy
- broad awareness of public policy’s underlying economic principles
- advanced skills in community engagement and its analysis
- the opportunity to explore interests in specialist areas, such as international trade, human rights, environmental planning and governance, global food and agribusiness, public health, education and more
- high-level research skills, through a major final-year research project.
Where could it take you?
You might pursue a career in politics or the public service. You could analyse and develop policy in a major industry body or consulting firm. Perhaps you’ll interpret policy and advise on its application for a large company, a lobbying organisation, or not-for-profit.
Entry Requirements
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions
information for this program.
I am a:
Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.
Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.
Domestic applicants
| SATAC Code | 3CM240, 3CM267 |
|---|---|
| Deferment | Yes - 2 year |
| Intake | February and July |
Selection Criteria
| Higher Education Study | Bachelor degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4.0; OR
Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy; OR
Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy
Applicants must provide a detailed Curriculum Vitae with their application. Students may be eligible to complete the program in a full-time standard duration of 1.5 years on the basis of prior learning. |
|---|
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Admissions Transparency Data
Student Profile
Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023 Number of students Percentage of all students International students 11 57.9% All students 19 100.0%
Ready to Apply?
Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.
Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.
ApplyFees and Scholarships
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Domestic applicants
| Indicative annual tuition fees |
Australian Full-fee place: $31,500
|
Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.
FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:
- receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
- use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Scholarships
These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.
Careers
Potential careers
Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:
Project Manager; Project Officer; Diplomat; Diplomatic corps; Resource Management; Resource Manager; Risk Analyst; Environment Protection Officer; Environmental Compliance Officer; Environmental Consultant ...
Degree Structure
To qualify for the degree of Master of Public Policy, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study with a combined total of not less than 48 units. Students may be eligible to complete the program in a full-time standard duration of 1.5 years on the basis of prior learning.
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
1. Core courses to the value of 15 units
2. Research dissertation to the value of 12 units
3. Elective courses to the value of 21 units
Example Study Plan
| Year 1 | GEOG 7009 Research Methods |
POLICY 7002 Ethics and Politics in Policy |
ECON 7200 Economics Principles |
POLICY 7001 Fundamentals of Public Policy (Winter School only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG 7016 Community Engagement: Techniques and Analysis |
Elective course | Elective course | Elective course | |
| Year 2 | Elective course | Elective course | Elective course | Elective course |
| POLICY 7003 Public Policy Dissertation (12 units) |
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Elective courses
Students must complete elective courses to the value of 21 units from the list:
AGRIBUS 7054 Global Food & Agricultural Policy Analysis (3 units)
AGRIBUS 7057 Trends & Issues in the World Food System (3 units)
AGRIBUS 7064 Water Security and Governance (3 units)
ECON 7016 Resource & Environmental Economics PG (3 units)
ECON 7032 Public Economics PG (3 units)
ECON 7058 Development Economics PG (3 units)
ECON 7228 Behavioural Economics IID (3 units)
EDUC 7550 Education Policies & Systems (3 units)
GEOG 7002 Environmental Planning and Governance (6 units)
GEOG 7003 Environmental Impact Assessment (6 units)
GEOG 7013 Sustainable Cities: Climate Change and Planning (3 units)
GEOG 7020 Cities and Housing (3 units)
LAW 7170 Public International Law (3 units)
LAW 7177 Introduction to Australian Law (3 units)
LAW 7192 Government, Law and Policy (3 units)
PLANNING 7034 Planning Policy and Regulation (3 units)
PLANNING 7035 Planning Theory and Practice (3 units)
POLIS 7004 International Relations in the Indo-Pacific Region (6 units)
PUB HLTH 7090 Global Public Health (3 units)
PUB HLTH 7091 Public Health Evaluation and Economics (3 units)
PUB HLTH 7092 Health Systems, Systems Thinking & Advocacy for Change (3 units)
PUB HLTH 7093 Promoting Health in Individuals and Populations (3 units)
PUB HLTH 7096 Making Healthy Public Policy (3 units)
PUB HLTH 7147OL Health Technology Assessment (3 units)
SCIENCE 7035 Emerging Issues in Science and Society (3 units)
TRADE 5000 International Trade: Negotiations & Agreements (3 units)
TRADE 5001 International Trade: Strategies & Opportunities (3 units)
TRADE 7004 Principles of International Trade and Development (3 units)
TRADE 7005 Agriculture and Food in International Trade (3 units)
Research
Students must complete a research dissertation of not longer than 20,000 words.
Related Degrees
Testimonial
I was unsure as to what career path I wanted to take. Postgraduate study was a way for me to narrow down where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do. I enjoyed the smaller classes and the ability to get to know the entire class and lecturers. My study allowed me to access a niche career in policy and I'm really happy to have finally found a career pathway that I enjoy
Jaya Brown
Graduate Implementation Support Officer,
Department of Health and Wellbeing
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
Last updated: Tuesday, 5 Mar 2024
