Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration at the Australian National University is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public sector management and policy analysis. This program equips graduates with advanced knowledge of government operations, administrative processes, and public policy development, enabling them to effectively address complex societal challenges. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, offering students opportunities to engage in real-world projects, case studies, and internships that enhance their understanding of public administration in diverse contexts. Through a rigorous academic framework, students explore key areas such as governance, public finance, strategic management, ethical decision-making, and the role of technology in public service delivery. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical considerations, fostering a deep understanding of the responsibilities and challenges faced by public administrators today. Students will benefit from the expertise of distinguished faculty members who are active researchers and practitioners in the field. The flexible structure of the program allows students to tailor their studies to their career goals, with options for elective courses and specializations. Graduates of the Master of Public Administration are well-prepared for careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations, international bodies, and consulting firms, contributing to effective policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. The program also encourages continuous professional development and lifelong learning, positioning alumni as key contributors to the development of transparent, accountable, and effective public institutions. By enrolling in this program, students join a community committed to excellence and innovation in public administration, gaining the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to become influential leaders in the public sector.

The Master of Public Administration requires the completion of 96 units, which must consist of:

Completion of the following pre-sessional component:

CRWF6900 Graduate Academic and Research Skills for Public Policy

POGO6900 Graduate Preparatory Economic, Social and Political Analysis

48 units from completion of the following initial component:

48 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

POGO8012 Governance and Institutions

POGO8016 The Economic Way of Thinking 1

POGO8019 The Economic Way of Thinking 2

POGO8024 Social Policy, Society and Change

POGO8062 Public Sector Management

POGO8072 Development Theories and Themes

POGO8090 Making and Evaluating Policy

POGO8117 Program Management

48 units from completion of the following concluding component:

24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

CRWF8000 Government, Markets and Global Change

POGO8032 Comparative Public Sector Management

POGO8096 Research Methods (6 units)

POGO8111 Public Sector Leadership

A minimum of 18 units from completion of courses from the following list:

LAWS8034 Law and Regulation

POGO8001 International Dimensions of Public Administration

POGO8021 Public Sector Ethics

POGO8029 Health Policy in a Globalising World

POGO8044 Global Social Policy

POGO8048 Public Finance

POGO8055 Case Studies in Public Sector Management

POGO8056 People and Performance in Public Organisations

POGO8057 Managing Government Finances

POGO8076 Corruption and Anti-corruption

POGO8081 Economics for Government

POGO8082 Political Institutions and Policy Processes

POGO8083 Policy Advocacy

A maximum of 6 units from completion of courses from the following list:

POGO8004      Poverty Reduction

POGO8015      Services and Investment Policy

POGO8025      Social Policy Analysis

POGO8035      Research Project

POGO8049      Planning and Policy (Population Policy)

POGO8023      Empirical Political Analysis 1: Public Opinion

POGO8050      Empirical Political Analysis 2: Political Economy

POGO8080      Organisational Finance and Budgeting

POGO8081      Economics for Government

POGO8084      Principles of Social Policy

POGO8085      Implementing Social Policy

POGO8095      Development Policy and Practice

POGO8101      Policy Process and Analysis

POGO8102      Selected Themes in Public Policy: Urbanisation and Human Settlement

POGO8115      International Negotiations: Challenging the WTO's Food Trading Regime

POGO8210      Case Studies in Economic Policy

POGO8213      The Global Trading System

EMDV8079      International Water Politics

EMDV8080      International Climate Change Policy and Economics

EMDV8081      Domestic Climate Change Policy and Economics

EMDV8082      Food Wars: Food Security and Agricultural Policy

SOCY8004       Interest Groups, Advocacy and Public Policy

IDEC8007        Aid and Development Policy

IDEC8088        Applied Economics: Cost/Benefit Analysis

ANTH8009       Development in Practice

ANTH8028       Introduction to Social Impact Studies

ANTH8032       Law, Order and Conflict in the Pacific

EURO8003       The European Union: regional integrations in comparative perspective

POPH8103       Introduction to Health Policy and Administration

A Bachelor degree or international equivalent, with at least three years' work experience in public administration.

All applicants must meet the University's English Language Admission Requirements for Students

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

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

Students must achieve a minimum 65% weighted average mark in the initial component to continue to the concluding component.

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

Public Administration at the Australian National University offers a rigorous and comprehensive program designed to prepare students for leadership roles within government and non-governmental organizations. This program emphasizes the development of practical skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of the complexities of public policy and governance in contemporary society. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including public policy analysis, administrative law, ethics in public service, strategic management, and the role of technology in public administration. Students will engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, often participating in case studies, internships, and collaborative projects that mirror real-world challenges faced by public administrators.

The program is structured to facilitate interdisciplinary learning, drawing upon political science, law, economics, and social sciences to give students a holistic perspective on public sector issues. The Australian National University’s reputation for research excellence provides students with access to leading academics and policymakers, fostering an environment conducive to innovative thinking and informed debate. Graduates will be equipped with the skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate public policies effectively, ensuring they can contribute to improving government efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Students can expect personalized academic support, opportunities for international study exchanges, and involvement in seminars and workshops conducted by experienced practitioners. The program also aims to build strong networks through engagement with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders. Career prospects for graduates include roles in federal, state, or local government agencies, international organizations, think tanks, and consulting firms specializing in public sector advisory services. Overall, the Australian National University’s Public Administration program aims to cultivate capable, ethical, and innovative public servants who can adapt to the evolving challenges of modern governance.