Master of Public Policy: Economic Policy Specialisation

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

1. Understand core economic principles, the nature and role of markets, and the economic relationships between individuals, households, firms and government;
2. Examine and identify significant economic issues both domestically and internationally, including challenges relating to management, implementation and evaluation of economic policies, and apply economic principles and analysis to tackle these issues in innovative ways;
3. Reflect critically on and engage in key theoretical debates in the field of economic policy including the nature, forms and policy impacts of market failure, and the forms of government intervention and policy instruments in economic policy;
4. Develop innovative economic policy recommendations to complex problems in changing policy environments.

This specialisation provides courses in the broad area of economic policy-making, interrogating the relationships between economic analysis and the processes of contemporary policy-making. The main theme running through the economic policy specialisation is how to improve the conduct and outcomes of public policy in light of an understanding of the way the economy works. More specifically students examine the nature and impact of core economic principles on public policy, and the effect of decision-making by individuals, households, firms and government on the allocation of resources. In addition students engage in broader debates about the strengths and limits of markets as a form of social organisation, and the nature, forms and impacts of market failure.

In this specialisation students explore the nature and role of markets (microeconomics) and the measurement, growth and operation of the aggregate economy (macroeconomics). Students also consider the forms of government intervention and policy instruments, including fiscal policy, monetary policy, regulation, service provision, redistribution and taxation. Electives provide opportunities for students to study a range of economic policy issues facing most countries, both domestically and in the international realm, including economic growth, unemployment, inflation, international trade, foreign investment, and liberalisation. 

This specialisation is well-suited to students currently working, or interested in pursuing a career in public finance, foreign investment, trade and development economics. 

Recommended study pattern

The Master of Public Policy (MPP): Economic Policy Specialisation requires 24 of the 96 units for the Master of Public Policy must be from the list of courses in the specified area.

Award requirements

The Master of Public Policy Specialisation: Economic Policy requires the completion of 96 units, out of which 24 units must be from the specified area.

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

Indicative total fee $75,880

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.

Explore ANU courses.

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:

· 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;

· 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

· 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.

Applications must show English language proficiency by meeting ANU's English Language Requirements for admission to study this course.

For the Master of Public Policy, 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.