Master of Public Policy: Indigenous and Development Policy Specialisation

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

1. Demonstrate understanding of the nature and impact of European colonisation on Indigenous peoples, especially in the Australian context;
2. Engage in informed debate about current and past Australian government policy and practice towards Indigenous people;
3. Analyse development contexts for NGOs, the private sector, and government agencies with particular attention to the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives;
4. Articulate the major currents in development theory and practice as they apply to Indigenous peoples;
5. Write critically and analytically about contentious issues in Australian Indigenous policy and development;
6. Demonstrate understanding of appropriate strategies of inquiry to inform Indigenous policy and development;
7. Reflect critically on their own experiences of Indigenous policy and/or Indigenous development in light of the concepts and methods introduced.

Indigenous policy presents significant challenges, requiring specialised understanding and expertise. With the Indigenous Policy and Development Specialisation you'll learn from the experts, including staff from Australia's leading centre on Indigenous economic and social policy issues - The Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR). You will graduate with an understanding of Indigenous views and approaches to development, and be able to apply them to Indigenous policy and development activities.

The Indigenous Policy and Development Specialisation will advance your career in development, policy, and program management focusing on Indigenous issues, in government and non-government organisations, Indigenous organisations, or as an independent consultant.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, subjects in this degree can include: 

• Australian Indigenous Development
• First Nations Peoples and Public Policy in Australia
• Understanding Indigenous Wellbeing: Demographic and Socioeconomic Change
• International Indigenous Studies Research Project 

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award requirements

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) Specialisation: Indigenous Policy and Development requires that 24 of the 96 units for the Master of Public Policy must be from a 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.

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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.

· 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.

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

Applicants with a Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 24 units of credit. Applicants with a Graduate Diploma or Honours in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 48 units of credit. Credit for relevant work experience may be considered and will be determined in accordance with the University’s Credit Policy and Procedure