Master of Public Policy and Leadership

Graduates of the Master of Public Policy an Leadership will have: 

1. Specialised knowledge and understanding of contemporary theories of policy-making, and of the relationship between the government and non-government sectors in public policy and administration.
2. 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 personal and professional skills to establish or advance your career as a change maker in design, implementation, evaluation and administration of government and public decision-making, either as a public sector leader or as a policy leader in the business or not-for-profit sectors (including in government relations).

Experts from across the Griffith Business School and wider University teach into the program, led by cutting-edge researchers and experienced practitioners in Government and International Relations. Core courses help participants understand and embrace the challenges of public service leadership at personal, community and global levels. The Majors offer specialisations tailored to the varying backgrounds and career goals of current and future professionals - from policy analysis and impact, to management and administration, regulation and integrity, and strategy and change.

A public policy or administration qualification is globally recognised and this program is designed to fit your busy personal schedules and unique professional aspirations.

This program includes work experience and research dissertation options. The dissertation can provide a pathway to a higher degree by research for candidates with the qualifying Grade Point Average (GPA).

Recommended study pattern

You can complete this program in 1 year, 1.5 years or 2 years depending on your prior study and work experience.

Award requirements

For the award of Master of Public Policy and Leadership (MPublicPolicy&Lead), you must successfully Complete 160 credit points for one of the following:

• 160 credit points for all Pathway 1 - duration 1 year (80CP of study and 80CP for prior learning), or
• 160 credit points for all Pathway 2 - duration 1.5 years (120CP of study and 40CP for prior learning), or
• 160 credit points for all Pathway 3 - duration 2 years

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 with the 3405 - Graduate Certificate in Public Policy award, you must successfully complete 40 credit points as specified in the Foundation Module.

To exit, you 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 $60,000

The amounts shown here are 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.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria: 

1 year duration (80CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline and two years relevant work experience.

1.5 Year duration (120CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline.

2 year duration (160CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher).
• A combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above criteria.

Related discipline includes political science, public policy, government, economics, international relations, law, psychology, criminology/criminal justice, government, politics, public administration, sociology, geography, environmental science, urban planning, development studies, sustainability, environmental engineering, security, cyber security, information technology, international organisation studies and public health.

Relevant work experience includes Government, campaign or elections, public policy, policy analysis, policy manager, public and regulatory affairs, public health, parliamentary/legislative staff, community relations/organizing, diplomacy, non-governmental organisations, international organisations (UN, ASEAN, World Health Organization, etc.), extended volunteering, journalism or public relations, law, criminal justice, military, business, international business and multinational corporations, business-policy interface, researcher, economist and analyst.

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.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

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.