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The Master of Public Policy at the Australian National University is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the analytical skills, theoretical knowledge, and practical expertise necessary to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by governments and societies today. This degree offers an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from economics, political science, sociology, and law, to provide a well-rounded understanding of policy development, implementation, and evaluation. Students will engage with critical issues such as governance, economic policy, social justice, environmental sustainability, and international relations, preparing them for impactful roles within public sector organizations, think tanks, NGOs, or international agencies. The program emphasizes rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methods, fostering the ability to analyze complex policy problems and develop innovative solutions grounded in empirical evidence. Throughout their studies, students will have opportunities for hands-on learning through case studies, policy simulations, and internships, enabling them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. The curriculum features core courses in policy analysis, ethics, and leadership, alongside specialized electives tailored to students’ interests and career goals. With faculty renowned for their expertise and extensive policy experience, the program provides a vibrant academic environment that encourages critical thinking, debate, and collaboration. Graduates of the Master of Public Policy will be well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to policy-making processes at local, national, and international levels, shaping strategies that promote sustainable development, social equity, and good governance. The Australasian context is often integrated into coursework, but the principles and skills acquired are globally relevant, opening doors to diverse career opportunities across government departments, international organizations, consultancy firms, and research institutions. With flexible study options and a strong network of alumni and industry partners, the program supports students' academic and professional growth, empowering them to be effective agents of positive societal change.
The Master of Public Policy 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:
36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
POGO8012 Governance and Institutions
POGO8019 The Economic Way of Thinking 2
POGO8024 Social Policy, Society and Change
POGO8062 Public Sector Management
POGO8072 Development Theories and Themes
POGO8117 Program Management
6 units from completion of an economics course from the following list:
POGO8016 The Economic Way of Thinking 1
POGO8081 Economics for Government
6 units from completion of a policy course from the following list:
POGO8082 Political Institutions and Policy Processes
POGO8090 Making and Evaluating Policy
48 units from completion of the following concluding component:
12 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
CRWF8000 Government, Markets and Global Change
POGO8096 Research Methods (6 units)
A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses from the following list:
POGO8004 Poverty Reduction
POGO8015 Services and Investment Policy
POGO8021 Public Sector Ethics
POGO8025 Social Policy Analysis
POGO8029 Health Policy in a Globalising World
POGO8032 Comparative Public Sector Management
POGO8035 Research Project
POGO8044 Global Social Policy
POGO8048 Public Finance, Globalisation and Development
POGO8049 Planning and Policy (Population Policy)
POGO8050 Empirical Political Analysis 2: Political Economy
POGO8055 Case Studies in Public Sector Management
POGO8057 Managing Government Finances
POGO8076 Corruption and Anti-Corruption
POGO8080 Organisational Finance and Budgeting
POGO8083 Policy Advocacy
POGO8084 Principles of Social Policy
POGO8085 Implementing Social Policy
POGO8088 New models for governance: strategy, innovation, decentralisation
POGO8095 Development Policy and Practice
POGO8096 Research Methods (6 units)
POGO8101 Policy Process and Analysis
POGO8102 Selected Themes in Public Policy: Urbanisation and Human Settlement
POGO8111 Public Sector Leadership
POGO8115 International Negotiations
A maximum of 30 units from completion of courses from the following list:
POGO8004 Poverty Reduction
POGO8015 Services and Investment Policy
POGO8021 Public Sector Ethics
POGO8025 Social Policy Analysis
POGO8029 Health Policy in a Globalising World
POGO8032 Comparative Public Sector Management
POGO8035 Research Project
POGO8044 Global Social Policy
POGO8048 Public Finance, Globalisation and Development
POGO8049 Planning and Policy (Population Policy)
POGO8050 Empirical Political Analysis 2: Political Economy
POGO8055 Case Studies in Public Sector Management
POGO8057 Managing Government Finances
POGO8076 Corruption and Anti-Corruption
POGO8080 Organisational Finance and Budgeting
POGO8083 Policy Advocacy
POGO8084 Principles of Social Policy
POGO8085 Implementing Social Policy
POGO8088 New models for governance: strategy, innovation, decentralisation
POGO8095 Development Policy and Practice
POGO8101 Policy Process and Analysis
POGO8102 Selected Themes in Public Policy: Urbanisation and Human Settlement
POGO8111 Public Sector Leadership
POGO8115 International Negotiations
EMDV8079 International Water Politics
POGO8210 Case Studies in Economic Policy
EMDV8080 International Climate Change Policy and Economics
POGO8213 The Global Trading System
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
NSPO8007 National Security: Concepts and Challenges
A Bachelor degree or international equivalent with at least 3 years' work experience in public policy.
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.
Credit may also be available for relevant work experience.
Students must complete the preliminary component to continue to the initial component.
Students must achieve a minimum 65% weighted average mark in the initial component to continue to the concluding component.
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
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.
The Master of Public Policy at the Australian National University (ANU) is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the skills necessary to analyse, develop, and implement effective public policies. This program explores the complex mechanisms of government and non-governmental organizations that influence policy-making processes in Australia and internationally. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including policy analysis, governance, ethics, economics, and political science, providing a multidisciplinary perspective essential for addressing contemporary policy issues.
Students have the opportunity to engage with real-world policy challenges through practical coursework, simulations, and engagement with policymakers and industry experts. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. It prepares graduates for careers in government agencies, international organizations, non-profit sectors, and private enterprises involved in policy development or advocacy. The ANU's strong connections with government agencies ensure students gain valuable insights and networking opportunities.
The Master of Public Policy typically requires the completion of coursework and may include a capstone project or thesis, allowing students to apply their learning to real policy questions. The duration of the program is usually one or two years, depending on the study mode and prior qualifications. Entry into the program generally requires an undergraduate degree and may consider relevant work experience. The university supports its students with excellent academic resources, dedicated faculty with expertise in public policy, and various professional development opportunities.
The program is suited for individuals passionate about making a difference in public policy and governance, whether they are early-career professionals seeking to upgrade their skills or experienced practitioners aiming for leadership roles. Graduates of the Master of Public Policy at ANU benefit from a strong foundation in policy analysis and a global perspective, which are highly valued in the job market. The program aligns with ANU’s overall mission to produce informed and skilled policymakers capable of tackling societal challenges and fostering good governance domestically and internationally.
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