Master of Public Policy: Health Policy Specialisation

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

1. Demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of health policy systems and their interconnection with other social policy fields and the social determinants of health.
2. Identify and critically assess the policy and epistemic role of key actors in the health policy field at both the national and global level.
3. Identify and apply key theoretical concepts about health policies, policy coordination and technology to empirical debates, cases and experiences.
4. Reflect critically on the global health policy landscape, institutional interests and health policy outcomes in the contemporary context.
5. Independently debate and analysis the key challenges to attaining effective and equitable health policy outcomes.

This specialisation equips students with a solid understanding of the design and functioning of health policy and systems within a globalised context. It is a multi- disciplinary and globally oriented program that enables critical, conceptual and problem oriented analyses and insight into a complex, technological and expanding policy field.

From health policy formulation, health systems and institutions, to the transboundary characteristics of the field, including the demands and consequences of technology and health data, to challenges of social inequity and development policies, students are exposed to key concepts and debates about doing health policy in the modern era. These debates include the role and influence of professions and other interests in the field, the challenges to coordinating and promoting health across policy silos and jurisdictional boundaries, and the nature of knowledge about what constitutes appropriate health objectives and effective health systems.

Students will also learn methods for conducting research and evaluation of health systems and policies. The specialisation is particularly designed for future leaders, managers and policy makers working in health, including within public sector organisations, global institutions and non-governmental organisations.

Recommended study pattern

The Master of Public Policy Health Policy Specialisation requires 24 of the 96 units for the Master of Public Policy must be from the list of courses in the specified are

Award requirements

The Master of Public Policy Health 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.

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

Indicative total fee $67,000

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.

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; 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

• 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.

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree, Bachelor degree with Honours, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 24 units.