University of Adelaide
Master of Public Policy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to policy design, analysis and implementation, equipping graduates with the expertise to drive meaningful change in government, non-profit and private sectors.
Course overview
The Master of Public Policy program is studied over two years full-time or 18 months if extending a past bachelor's degree. This program 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 a deep understanding of political, legal and ethical issues affecting public policy, a 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.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the degree of Master of Public Policy (two years pathway), the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following courses with a combined total of not less than 48 units, comprising:
- Core courses to the value of 15 units.
- Research dissertation to the value of 12 units.
- Elective courses to the value of 24 units.
Each course is valued at three units unless otherwise indicated.
Complete the following courses:
- Research Methods
- Ethics and Politics in Policy
- Economics Principles
- Fundamentals of Public Policy (Winter School only)
- Community Engagement: Techniques and Analysis
Research Dissertation
Public Policy Dissertation (12 units)
Entry Requirements
Higher Education Study
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4.0.
- Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy.
- Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy.
Applicants must provide a detailed Curriculum Vitae with their application.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Students may be eligible to complete the program in a full-time standard duration of 1.5 years on the basis of prior learning. Contact the university for more information.
Career Outcomes
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
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $33,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative annual fee is based on your first year of study (24 units).
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.