Public policy courses

Lead the conversation on tomorrow’s toughest issues

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Introduction to Public policy

Public policy has the power to change lives, because it shapes how we govern health, technology, equity, and the environment. Through Open Universities Australia, you can study online public policy courses in a range of ways—from short courses that let you zero in on a specialisation, to postgraduate qualifications that empower you to advance in your career.

These courses go beyond theory, blending academic rigour with real-world impact. You’ll explore how to govern big issues—like AI and synthetic biology—while building practical skills to analyse, design, and deliver policies at local, national and global levels.

Ready to make a real difference? Explore public policy courses today and reach out to our friendly student advisors anytime for support.

Explore public policy courses
Matthew, law student, standing outside
Matthew studied law with RMIT through Open Universities Australia

Discover public policy courses

Online public policy subjects and short courses

Murdoch University

Public Policy Analysis

UndergraduateMUR-POL246

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 28 Jul 2025

Enrolments open until 7 Aug

University of Tasmania
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of South Australia

Health Law, Ethics and Policy

UndergraduateUSA-HLTH2030

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Griffith University

Solving Policy Problems

UndergraduateGRF-GIR301

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 14 Jul 2025
View all subjects

Online public policy degrees

Griffith University

Master of Public Policy and Leadership

PostgraduateGRF-PPL-MAS

Advance your career as a change-maker

Study method
100% online
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
Flinders University

Take charge of your government career

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Macquarie University

Master of Public and Social Policy

PostgraduateMAQ-PSP-MAS

A unique course in Australia

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Australian National University

Master of Regulation and Governance

PostgraduateANU-RGO-MAS

Become a leader in regulatory policy, governance and compliance

Study method
100% online
Duration
Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
View all bachelor degrees

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Public policy study FAQs

What will I learn in a public policy course?

It depends on the level of the course that you choose, and whether you have a background in public policy, or you’re exploring a new direction.

You can expect to cover topics like:

  • How policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated

  • Techniques for analysing complex social, economic and environmental issues

  • Governance, ethics and decision-making frameworks

  • Leadership and strategy in public, private and community sectors

  • Practical skills to design and manage policy programs

What are the entry requirements for studying public policy?

Entry requirements vary by course, but generally, anyone can enrol in short courses and open-entry single subjects, which run for 10-14 weeks and are designed to upskill you in an area of interest.

Undergraduate public policy qualifications require the completion of Year 12 or prior VET study.

To apply for a postgraduate qualification, you'll need a bachelor degree in any discipline, or at least five years of relevant work experience.

You can always start small and build your way to a higher qualification. Get in touch with our student advisors if you'd like help finding a pathway into this study area, because we can show you options you haven't considered.

What is the difference between political science and public policy?

Political science and politics courses focus on understanding political systems, theories, and behaviour.

Public policy, on the other hand, is more practical. It’s about creating the policies that address real-world challenges, and it's an ideal study path for you if you'd like to change communities and organisations for the better.

Can I study public policy part-time through Open Universities Australia?

Yes. All public policy courses offered through Open Universities Australia are 100% online and designed with flexibility in mind. You can study part-time by completing just one or two subjects at a time, which lets you fit your learning around work and life commitments.

Learn more about how study planning and scheduling works for online students.

What career opportunities can I explore after studying a public policy course?

Studying public policy can open the door to a range of careers. You could become a:

  • Policy advisor or analyst in a government agency

  • Program manager or project officer in the public or not-for-profit sectors

  • Researcher or consultant for think tanks and advocacy groups

  • Strategist for an international organisation or Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)

  • Corporate governance or regulatory affairs specialist in the private sector

  • Community development or social policy practitioner

Is public policy a good career in Australia?

Yes. Public policy professionals are in demand across government, industry and community sectors. The Australian Government recently added 3,400 permanent public service roles, expanding the workforce to over 213,000, which signals growing opportunities in policy-related areas.

The field offers stable career prospects, opportunities to move into leadership, and the chance to make a meaningful difference on key issues. Senior roles can earn upwards of $125,000 a year, meaning you will be well paid for your skillset as well.

How do I enrol?

Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Find your course

2. Start your enrolment

  • When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.

  • Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.

  • You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:

3. Wait for confirmation

Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.

Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.

For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

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We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

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Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.

Over 532,578+ students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

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Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni

We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.

You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year

We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.

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As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.

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