Master of Public Administration

Graduates of the Master of Public Administration will have:

• specialised knowledge and understanding of contemporary theories of policy-making, and of the relationship between the government and non-government sectors in public administration
• specialised knowledge and understanding of the principles and methods that underpin research within the fields of public administration and public policy.

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.

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Principles of Human Resource Management and Employment Relations
• The Political, Legal and Governance Environment
• Policy Advice: Evidence, Argument and Persuasion in Policy-Making
• Evaluating Policy and Measuring Performance

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

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.

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.

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

Indicative total fee $41,250

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.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

Explore Griffith courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

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

• 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 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.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.