Master of Public Administration

Master of Public Administration graduates can be found in a wide variety of occupations including political and policy advisers, public servants and public managers throughout federal, state and local government, as well as policy specialists in a variety of non-government organisations. These include industry organisations and lobby groups both nationally and internationally, consultants to the private sector, and in high profile positions in large private sector firms who conduct large amounts of valuable business with the public sector.

Higher education

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Public Administration, a student must:

• hold a related Bachelor degree (or higher) from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (using a 7.0 scale), OR
• hold a Griffith Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (using a 7.0 scale). Students with a Griffith Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis will receive 40 credit points of advanced standing, OR
• hold a Griffith Graduate Certificate in Integrity and Anti-Corruption (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (using a 7.0 scale). Students with a Griffith Graduate Certificate in Integrity and Anti-Corruption will receive 40 credit points of advanced standing, OR

Work and Life

• have a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to one of the above.

English Proficiency Requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

Students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

Griffith University grants credit and recognition of prior learning which may relate to prior formal learning or prior informal and non-formal learning. For more information, please visit the following website:

• Credit transfer

This program provides the necessary breadth and depth of public management skills to advance your career both within the public sector and in the increasingly important area of the private-public sector interface.

Experts from across the Griffith Business School teach into the program, drawing on a wide-range of discipline knowledge applied to both business and government contexts. The teaching team consists of academics with experience working in a variety of governmental roles and those at the cutting edge of public sector research and analysis.

A public administration qualification is globally recognised and this program is designed to fit around your busy professional and personal schedules.

This program includes a dissertation option. The dissertation can provide a pathway to a higher degree by research for candidates with the qualifying GPA.

Recommended Study Pattern

The Master of Public Administration program is offered online. Some courses will include optional in-person workshops and discussions. Students will access course materials, participate in learning activities, lodge assessment items and access support services via Learning@Griffith. Access to a reliable computer with internet connection is essential.

Award Requirements

To be eligible for the award of Master of Public Administration (MPA), a student must acquire 120 credit points including:

• 70 credit points for core courses; and
• 50 credit points for listed electives or dissertation courses.

This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words 'This award was achieved with Distinction' will be recorded on the testamur.

Degree structure:

https://www.griffith.edu.au/study/degrees/master-of-public-administration-5580#degree-details

Exit Points

To be eligible to exit this Masters program with the Graduate Diploma of Public Administration award, a student must acquire 60 credit points of core courses and 20 credit points of electives. Note: Students who exit with the Graduate Diploma will not be eligible for re-admission to complete the Master of Public Administration.

To exit, a student should apply for a program transfer.