Master of Public Policy and Management

Graduates completing the Master of Public Policy and Management will:

• have an integrated and advanced understanding of concepts, theories, contemporary trends and developments in public policy, administration and management;
• have the ability to reflect on and synthesise complex information and issues, and apply relevant theories to the analysis of problems and challenges in public administration, public policy and public management;
• have developed appropriate critical research and evaluative skills, and the capacity to clearly articulate the implications of their findings for the theory and practice of public administration, public policy and/or public management; and
• have the capacity to transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

If you are a current or aspiring public sector manager or policy maker, the postgraduate program in public administration provides opportunities for you to enhance your understanding, knowledge and skills in this area. It includes courses at the graduate diploma and masters level.
The program is offered by the College of Business, Government and Law, and postgraduate courses in public administration have been taught at Flinders University since 1986. The program is designed with the needs of current and future public-sector employees in mind and is reviewed regularly.

The Master of Public Policy and Management aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in public administration, management and policy and to undertake research in one or more of these areas.

It is 2 years (15 months online) in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

Students complete six core (compulsory) topics, two core (compulsory) research topics and seven option topics chosen from a range of option topics available. These topics aim to provide students a comprehensive understanding of public administration, policy and management, and the development of qualitative and quantitative skills in policy analysis, planning, implementation and evaluation. For candidates wishing to build careers in the public sector, this course provides a thorough grounding in public administration and policy.

As a guide, full-time students generally undertake two subjects per study period and part-time students undertake one subject per study period.  

Award requirements

To complete the requirements of the Master of Public Policy and Management, students must successfully complete six core (compulsory) topics, two core (compulsory) research topics and seven option topics chosen from a range of option topics available.

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

Indicative total fee $49,000

The amount shown here is 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.

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QS Ranking 2024:

23

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

23

Applicants must normally:

• hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification, or;
• hold the Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management, the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, or the Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Flinders University or equivalent qualification and must have achieved a Flinders equivalent grade point average of 4.50 or above in this postgraduate study.

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. More information is available at www.flinders.edu.au/credit