Master of Public Policy and Leadership

Graduates of the Master of Public Policy an Leadership will have: 

1. Specialised knowledge and understanding of contemporary theories of policy-making, and of the relationship between the government and non-government sectors in public policy and administration.
2. Specialised knowledge and understanding of the principles and methods that underpin research within the fields of public administration and public policy.

This program provides the personal and professional skills to establish or advance your career as a change maker in design, implementation, evaluation and administration of government and public decision-making, either as a public sector leader or as a policy leader in the business or not-for-profit sectors (including in government relations).

Experts from across the Griffith Business School and wider University teach into the program, led by cutting-edge researchers and experienced practitioners in Government and International Relations. Core courses help participants understand and embrace the challenges of public service leadership at personal, community and global levels. The Majors offer specialisations tailored to the varying backgrounds and career goals of current and future professionals - from policy analysis and impact, to management and administration, regulation and integrity, and strategy and change.

A public policy or administration qualification is globally recognised and this program is designed to fit your busy personal schedules and unique professional aspirations.

This program includes work experience and research dissertation options. The dissertation can provide a pathway to a higher degree by research for candidates with the qualifying Grade Point Average (GPA).

Award requirements

Pathway 1 - 1 year program (80CP)

For the award of Master of Public Policy and Leadership (MPublicPolicy&Lead), if eligible to complete this program in 1 year, you must successfully complete 80 credit points made up of:

• 80 credit points for the Core Module

Pathway 2 - 1.5 year program (120CP)

For the award of Master of Public Policy and Leadership (MPublicPolicy&Lead), if eligible to complete this program in 1.5 years, you must successfully complete 120 credit points made up of:

• 80 credit points for the Core Module40 credit points for the Flexible Module

Pathway 3 - 2 year program (160CP):

For the award of Master of Public Policy and Leadership (MPublicPolicy&Lead), if eligible to complete this program in 2 years, you must successfully complete 160 credit points made up of:

• 40 credit points for the Foundation Module80 credit points for the Core Module40 credit points for the Flexible Module

This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words "This award was achieved with Distinction" will be recorded on the testamur.

Exit points

To be eligible to exit this Masters program with the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy award, a student must acquire 40 credit points for the foundation module.

To exit, a student should apply for a program transfer.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

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QS Ranking 2024:

18

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

20

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Public Policy and Leadership, you must have one of: 

1 year program (80CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; AND a minimum 2 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience; OR 

1.5 Year program (120CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; OR 

2 year program (160CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; OR A combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above. 

*Related Discipline: Political Science, Public Policy, Government, Economics, International Relations, Law, Psychology, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Government, Politics, Public Administration, Sociology, Geography, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Development Studies, Sustainability, Environmental Engineering, Security, Cyber Security, Information Technology, International Organisation Studies, Public Health 

^Professional Experience: Government; campaign or elections; public policy; policy analysis; policy manager; public and regulatory affairs; public health; parliamentary/legislative staff; community relations/organizing; diplomacy, non-governmental organisations, international organisations (UN, ASEAN, World Health Organization, etc.); extended volunteering; journalism or public relations; law; criminal justice; military; business; international business and multinational corporations; business-policy interface; researcher; economist; analyst

A higher qualification refers to a qualification at a higher level than a Bachelor qualification, which includes any of the following: a Bachelor Honours Degree; Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree, MPhil or PhD.  

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.