Master of Public Policy and Management (Coursework)

The Master of Public Policy and Management is designed for public and community sector leaders and managers, as well as those wishing to pursue a career in this field. Students critically engage with contemporary policy issues, challenge conventional ideas about the process of government and public sector management, and develop a capacity for high quality policy analysis and best practice management.

Students gain extensive knowledge of the institutions, processes and problems of modern government and policy making, and are equipped with the skills necessary for advanced public sector and community sector management and policy making, including the skills to critically appreciate a range of key drivers in contemporary public policy; understand governance and public management and its applications; and understand public sector management and its application in selective case studies.

Graduates will be equipped with the skills necessary for advanced public sector and community sector management and policy making, including the skills to:

• understand the institutions, processes and problems of modern government and policy making;
• critically appreciate a range of key drivers in contemporary public policy;
• understand governance and public management and its applications;
• understand public sector management and its application in selective case studies.

200 point program:

Duration: 2 years full-time/up to 4 years part-time

First 100 points:

• 4 compulsory subjects (50 points)
• 4 elective subjects (50 points)

second 100 points:

• 3 compulsory subjects (62.5 points)
• 3 elective subjects (37.5 points)

Total 200 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise.

150 point program:

Duration: 1.5 years full-time/up to 3 years part-time.

First 50 points:

• 4 compulsory subjects (50 points) from the first 100 points of the 200 point program above.

Final 100 points:

Refer to the second 100 points of the 200 point program above

Total 150 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise.

100 point program:

Duration: 1 year full-time/up to 2 years part-time.

Refer to the second 100 points of the 200 point program above

Total 100 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise.

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework. Students also should also refer to information in the Student Policy Directory.

First 100 points:

Compulsory subjects

Elective subjects:

Second 100 points:

Compulsory subjects:

Elective subjects:

37.5 points

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria –

For the 200 point program

• an undergraduate degree with a major area of study related to public policy with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects, or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in any field with at least a grade average of at least H2B (70%) and at least two years of full time documented relevant professional work experience in public or community sectors, or equivalent.

For the 150 point program

• an undergraduate degree with a major area of study related to public policy with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects and at least one year of documented relevant professional work experience or training, or equivalent.

For the 100 point program

• an honours degree or postgraduate diploma in a major area of study related to public policy with a research component and with at least a H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects, or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in a major area of study related to public policy with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects and at least two years of full time documented relevant professional work experience, or equivalent.

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Documented evidence of relevant professional experience:
Applicants seeking admission into 100 and 150 point programs must provide the following documentation in support of their application for the recognition of prior professional experience:

• brief curriculum vitae, detailing work experience;
• contact details of two referees ;
• a covering letter outlining the applicants professional background and how this prepares them to successfully undertake the program.
  In some cases, an interview and/or two reference letters from employers/managers detailing the period of employment and areas of responsibility, and/or evidence of written work or reports undertaken during the period of employment may be requested.

Admission process