Master of Public Policy: Global Development Policy Specialisation

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

1. Demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of key debates and thinking in the field of development policy;
2. Reflect critically on and engage in key theoretical debates in the field of development policy;
3. Engage influentially in debates and analysis of public policy issues and practical challenges across cultural, developmental and institutional contexts;
4. Analyse, synthesise and communicate complex, political and institutional development challenges from multiple perspectives;
5. Develop innovative development policy recommendations to complex problems in changing policy environments.

This specialisation provides insights into key theories, policies and approaches to development policy both within nations and at the global level. It will provide students with the skills and knowledge to engage in the major development debates, and appreciate the historical, cultural, political and economic contexts that shape global development policy. In this specialisation, students will examine the roles and approaches of key development actors, both state and non-state, and the ways in which they shape both national and global policy. Core courses provide students with solid understanding of theories and debates in development, and introduces advanced policy analysis skills for analysing policies.

Options within this specialisation cover a range of topics such as the Sustainable Development Goals, poverty reduction, social policy, political institutions, gender, and human security.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, subjects in this degree can include: 

• Poverty Reduction
• Development Theories and Themes
• Gender & Development: Critical Issues in Policy and Practice
• Global governance and the role of Multilateral Development Banks

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 Master of Public Policy Specialisation: Global Development requires 24 of the 96 units for the Master of Public Policy must be from the list of courses in the specified area.

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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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.

• 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 program.

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree, Bachelor degree with Honours, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 24 units.