Master of Public Policy

Upon successful completion of the study, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate deep understanding of public policy and its key challenges and issues, in Australia and globally;
2. Understand processes and challenges of agenda-setting, formulation, implementation, management and evaluation of public policy;
3. Reflect critically on key theoretical debates in the field of public policy including its practical application across cultural, developmental and institutional contexts;
4. Demonstrate understanding of methods for policy research and analysis and identify and apply them with appropriate tools to public policy issues;
5. Analyse, synthesise and communicate complex, political and institutional policy problems from multiple perspectives.

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a graduate degree that brings together interactive and case-based teaching to prepare you for policy-making roles in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. At Crawford School, our lecturers are leading international researchers and teachers in their fields of public policy. You will benefit from their expertise across comparative public policy, policy reform, and national and international governance, as well as specialist areas such as social policy, energy, environment, food, health and biofuels.

By choosing the MPP, you will develop high-quality policy analysis skills from teaching approaches that combine theory and practice. In design, advocacy and evaluation, you will build exceptional political and program management capabilities. The MPP is designed to strengthen your interest and knowledge in public policy, following completion of an undergraduate degree and/or during the early years of a professional policy career. There is no work experience requirement for entry. You will gain a solid foundation in understanding policy processes, governance institutions, policy analysis and research, which you can apply in your current role, use to upskill for a higher position, or transition into a new career in policy making.

Through interactive and case-based teaching, you will learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will allow you to reflect on the challenges of governing in a dynamic, interconnected, global and increasingly digital world. You will be equipped with important skills for analysing and researching public policy, and communicating persuasively on policy-relevant matters.

Choose your subjects

Majors

The two-year degree requires the completion of 96 units. You may find more information about its unit and course details by clicking the linkANU Programs and Courses for the program.

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

Indicative total fee $66,000

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.

Australian National University is a world-leading university in Australia’s capital city, Canberra. With ties to the Australian Government, they have special standing as a resource for the Australian people. Their approach to education ensures graduates are in demand the world-over for their abilities to address complex contemporary challenges. Offering innovative online subjects from beginning to advanced levels through Open Universities Australia, they meet varied students’ needs and goals.

Learn more about ANU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

4

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

4

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.

· Bachelor degree or international equivalent with GPA 5/7; or

· Bachelor degree or international equivalent with GPA 4/7 and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or

· Bachelor degree or international equivalent with GPA 4/7 and a Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA of 4/7; or

· Graduate Diploma or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7; or

· 48 units of courses in a postgraduate program with a GPA of 4/7; or

· Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA of 4/7 and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or

· Graduate Records Examination (GRE) General test, completed no more than 5 years before the time of application, with a minimum score of 155 for Verbal Reasoning, 155 for Quantitative Reasoning and 4.0 in Analytical Writing and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or

· A minimum of 10 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program.

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.

Find more details at Master of Public Policy on the ANU Programs and Courses website.

Applications must meet the ANU English Language Requirements for Admission.

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

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