Master of Public Administration

On completion of the course, you will be able to:

1. Integrate concepts, theories, contemporary trends and developments in public administration using advanced abilities.
2. Evaluate complex information to appropriately address problems and challenges in public administration.
3. Combine appropriate critical research and evaluative skills in relation to the theory and practice of public administration.
4. Critically defend knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

The Master of Public Administration aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in public administration and public management. It also aims to teach students how to undertake and/or interpret research in these areas.

The Master of Public Administration requires 2 years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time) and is offered by the College of Business, Government and Law.

The course articulates with the 18 unit Graduate Certificate in Public Administration and the 36 unit Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration, and the sequentially developed topics enable progression through the three awards.

Recommended study pattern

Program of study - 72 credit points

Year 1 - 36 credit points (Core Topics Only)

First half - 18 credit points

• GOVT8004Governance in a Global World - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT8009Policy Analysis: Theory and Practice - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT8013Public Management - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT8007Evidence in Policy and Program Management: Innovation, Effectiveness and Adaptation - 4.5 credit points.

Second half - 18 credit points

• GOVT8014Understanding Research - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT8002Emerging Digital Futures - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT8006Inclusion and Innovation in Public Leadership - 4.5 credit points
• POAD8137Professional Ethics and Public Administration - 4.5 credit points.

Year 2 - 36 credit points (Option Topics Only)

Select 36 units from the following:

• GOVT9006Government Research Project - 9 credit points
• GOVT9005Government Internship - 13.5 credit points
• GOVT9007Government Thesis - 18 credit points
• GOVT9002Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT9001Individual Supervised Study - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT8012Public Policy - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT8011Policy Design - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT8005Ideas and Perspectives in Contemporary Public Policy - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT9009Environmental Policy - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT9008Politics of Climate Change - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT9004The Alliance and the Re-Emergence of China - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT8017Sustainable Development and Global Inequality - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT8001Debating International Relations - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT9003Security in the International System - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT8010Normative Approaches to International Relations - 4.5 credit points
• GOVT8008International Order in the 21st Century - 4.5 credit points
• INTR9078Governing East Asia in the 21st Century - 4.5 credit points
• POAD9015Economics and Public Policy - 4.5 credit points
• POAD9037Public Financial Management - 4.5 credit points
• POAD9118Managing Human Resources in the Public Sector - 4.5 credit points
• POAD9131Development Administration - 4.5 credit points
• POAD9135Project Governance - 4.5 credit points.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Public Administration, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $60,984

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

Students who have completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, a Graduate Certificate in International Relations, or an approved equivalent, but not an undergraduate degree, must also meet a Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.