Master of Public Policy: Social Policy Specialisation

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

1. Demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of key debates and thinking in the field of social policy, in Australia and globally in order to analyse, synthesise and communicate complex social policy challenges, informed by both theory and case studies;
2. Identify and apply appropriate research methods to social policy challenges; 
3. Understand challenges relating to management, implementation and evaluation of social policies to develop innovative social policy recommendations to complex problems in changing policy environments;
4. Engage influentially in developing responses to complex social policy issues. 

This specialisation provides students with deep and comprehensive understanding of the nature and challenges of social policy within nations and globally. Multidisciplinary in nature, this specialisation will provide insight into key theories, principles and approaches, providing a foundation for social policy analysis, development and implementation across a range of contexts. The social policy specialisation equips students with an understanding of the key actors engaged in social policy making – including the growing influence of ‘non-traditional’ actors. 

Through electives, students in this specialisation can explore a wide range of issues relevant to social policy development and implementation, such as the boundaries of social policy; influences on social policy, including demographic and labour force trends; how social policy intersects with other aspects of government policy; and debates about financing of welfare programmes, inequality and income distribution, wellbeing and social justice, in Australia and internationally. 

This specialisation offers opportunities for advanced investigation of the analytical skills, public policies and organisational practices appropriate for advising on social policy and managing program outcomes. It is well-suited for those in social policy development and/or implementation in government and non-government sectors.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, subjects in this degree can include:

• Principles of Social Policy
• Population and Society: Theory and Empirical Perspectives
• Poverty Reduction
• Social Policy Analysis

Plus there's a selection of electives to choose from. 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: Social Policy 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 $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.

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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.

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.

· 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.

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

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.