Master of Public Policy

Upon successful completion of the study, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate deep understanding of public policy and its key challenges and issues, in Australia and globally;
2. Understand processes and challenges of agenda-setting, formulation, implementation, management and evaluation of public policy;
3. Reflect critically on key theoretical debates in the field of public policy including its practical application across cultural, developmental and institutional contexts;
4. Demonstrate understanding of methods for policy research and analysis and identify and apply them with appropriate tools to public policy issues;
5. Analyse, synthesise and communicate complex, political and institutional policy problems from multiple perspectives.

Offered by the internationally-renowned Crawford School of Public Policy, this program examines the processes, institutions and practices of public policy. It is designed for graduates interested in pursuing a career in, or currently working in, public policy within or outside of government. Core courses provide students with a solid foundation in policy processes, governance institutions, policy analysis and research.

The program equips students with important skills for analysing and researching public policy, and communicating persuasively on policy relevant matters. Through interactive and case-based teaching, students debate and reflect on the challenges of governing public policy in a dynamic, interconnected, global and increasingly digital world. Designed and taught by world-class public policy scholars, this program equips graduates for successful and productive careers in public policy.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, subjects in this degree can include:

• The Economic Way of Thinking
• Public Sector Management
• Policy Research
• Foundations in Public Policy
• The Political and Institutional Architecture of Public Policy

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

The two-year degree of multi modal requires the completion of 96 credit units. 

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

Indicative total fee $75,880

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.

Australian National University is a world-leading university in Australia’s capital city, Canberra. With ties to the Australian Government, they have special standing as a resource for the Australian people. Their approach to education ensures graduates are in demand the world-over for their abilities to address complex contemporary challenges. Offering innovative online subjects from beginning to advanced levels through Open Universities Australia, they meet varied students’ needs and goals.

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QS Ranking 2025:

4

Times Higher Education Ranking 2025:

4

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.

· Bachelor degree or international equivalent with GPA 5/7; or

· Bachelor degree or international equivalent with GPA 4/7 and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or

· Bachelor degree or international equivalent with GPA 4/7 and a Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA of 4/7; or

· Graduate Diploma or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7; or

· 48 units of courses in a postgraduate program with a GPA of 4/7; or

· Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA of 4/7 and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.

· Graduate Records Examination (GRE) General test, completed no more than 5 years before the time of application, with a minimum score of 155 for Verbal Reasoning, 155 for Quantitative Reasoning and 4.0 in Analytical Writing and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or

· A minimum of 10 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program.

Applications must show English language proficiency by meeting ANU's English Language Requirements for admission to study this course.

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 24 units (one semester) of credit.

Applicants with a Graduate Diploma or Bachelor degree with Honours in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 48 units (one year) of credit.