Master of Technology Governance

1. Demonstrate deep understanding of regulatory and governance systems for technology, as well as the political and social dimensions of those systems.
2. Critically interrogate current and proposed methods for governing technoscientific innovation, including an appreciation of their distinct strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks. 
3. Map and analyse how institutions and networks approach the governance of critical, disruptive and emerging technologies.
4. Apply theories from regulatory governance, science and technology studies and new transdisciplinary paradigms to the practical challenges of technology governance in Australia, Asia, the Pacific and globally.
5. Effectively communicate complex issues in regulation and governance and develop clear arguments, delivered orally and in writing and supported by data and evidence.

Technology has changed everyday life - in business, in government, at home and at work. Although the rapid growth of digital and physical technologies is full of promise, it also presents risks. Maximising the benefits of digital transformation and innovation requires a new generation of leaders working across public, private and nonprofit sectors.

The Master of Technology Governance is a forward-looking degree that addresses these new and pressing societal challenges. It equips students with the analytic and practical skills to assess and responsibly manage the opportunities and dangers of critical, disruptive and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech and RegTech. The curriculum, comprised of both conceptual and applied courses, offers many opportunities to evaluate and design best practices across domains of commerce, digital identity, food systems, government services, justice, public health and security.

Taught by experts based at the world-renowned School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet), the Master of Technology Governance is a rich transdisciplinary training experience. Students learn how to combine evidence-informed regulatory frameworks with cutting-edge research to analyse real-world problems. By integrating different disciplines and perspectives, graduates are uniquely positioned to assess and respond to complex issues that resonate now and in the future.

Recommended study pattern

The Master of Technology Governance requires completion of 48 units which must consist of:

12 units from completion of the following compulsory course: 

• REGN8014 Contemporary Issues in Technology Governance 
• REGN8049 Regulating Disruptive Technologies 

A minimum of 18 units from completion of the following courses on regulation and governance: 

• REGN8050 The Policy and Practice of Regulation 
• REGN8052 Regulation and Governance  
• REGN8002 Governance and Social Theory 
• REGN8005 Restorative Justice in the World  
• REGN8024 Regulating Nuclear Capabilities  
• REGN8022 Governance in a Complex and Uncertain World  
• REGN8023 Global Governance Regimes  
• REGN8054 Governance beyond the State  
• REGN8026 Nuclear Safeguards Regulation  
• REGN8027 Nuclear Safeguards Practice  
• REGN8012 Special Topics in Regulation and Governance

A minimum of 6 units from completion of the following courses on technology and society: 

• HUMN8029 Digital Humanities and Public Culture: Issues and debates
• INFS7040 Digital Transformation 
• INTR8066 International Relations in the Information Age  
• LAWS8077 Cyber Law 
• LAWS8405 Artificial Intelligence, Law & Society
• LAWS8407 Digital Economies and the Law 
• LAWS8445 Information Technology Law
• NSPO8009 Cyber and Emerging Technologies in National Security  

A maximum of 12 units from the completion of the following list:  

• LAWS8077 Cyber Law 
• LAWS8101 Blockchain and Legal Innovation I 
• LAWS8102 Blockchain and Legal Innovation II 
• LAWS8338 Cryptoassets and the Law
• LAWS8340 Space Law and Governance 
• LAWS8341 Work and the Gig Economy 
• LAWS8597 Corporations, Law and Technology 
• LAWS8598 Electoral Law in the Digital Age  
• SOCY6066 Social Science of the Internet  
• SOCR8006 Online Research Methods  

Award requirements

The 1 year degree of multi-modal delivery, requires the completion of 48 units.

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

Indicative total fee $39,240

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.

Research-led education from Australia’s national university

As one of Australia's leading universities, The Australian National University (ANU) is recognised as a world-leading research powerhouse. You'll learn from academics whose research is shaping their fields, bringing the latest thinking directly into your studies. Studying at ANU, you'll develop the knowledge and skills to tackle real-world challenges while deepening your understanding of the ideas shaping Australia and the world.

Study online at ANU through Open Universities Australia (OUA) with the flexibility to fit learning around your life. Whether you're studying a single course or working towards a qualification, you’ll have access to the same high-quality learning and academic expertise that define an education at Australia’s national university.

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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 or international equivalent with GPA 5/7; or
• Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA of 5/7: or
• Graduate Diploma or international equivalent with a GPA 5/7; or
• Bachelor 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
• 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 Diploma or international equivalent with a 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
• 48 units of courses in a postgraduate program with a GPA of 5/7; 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. 

Academic achievement & English language proficiency

The minimum academic requirement for full entry and enrolment is a Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0. 

However, applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. 

If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of: 

• a GPA ('GPA2') calculated on the penultimate and antepenultimate semesters (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes; and/or
• demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency. 

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline may be eligible for 24 units (one semester) of credit. Applicants with a Graduate Diploma or Honours in a cognate discipline may be eligible for 48 units (one year) of credit.

Cognate Disciplines

Anthropology, Asian studies, applied data studies, criminology, cybernetics, development studies, international relations, law, Pacific studies, political science, policy studies, psychology, security studies, sociology