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Public policy courses

Engage with the complex and challenging world of public policy

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Introduction to Public policy

Prepare for a policy career in the public sector, with private agencies or with not-for-profit organisations. Combine theoretical and practical approaches to public policy. Explore the latest issues and approaches to policy at a local, national and global level.

Engage with the process of policy formation, and understand how to create an environment for successful delivery of programs. Examine the societal and political contexts that can influence policy creation and delivery.

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

University of South Australia

Health Law, Ethics and Policy

UndergraduateUSA-HLTH2030

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 13 Jan 2025, 30 Jun 2025
University of Tasmania
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 24 Feb 2025
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
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
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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

Discover 68 ways to study public policy with leading Australian universities.

Explore public policy courses

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Public policy study FAQs

How do I enrol?

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

  • You can enrol without entry requirements 
    We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
  • You have total control over how you study
    Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
  • You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
    Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
  • We’ll help you navigate the university world
    Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.

Why study public policy online?

Studying online means that you can work in your learning around what you’re doing, whether you have a background in public policy, or you’re exploring a new direction.

Public policy highlights

  • Examine the delivery of policy programs.
  • Explore links between evidence, policy and practice.
  • Learn how public policy reform can be influenced.

Public policy specialisations

  • Understand how to engage stakeholders during the policy formation process.
  • Explore the potential and limits of public policy.
  • Communicate and explain new and existing policy to communities.

Student stories and study advice

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Thinking about making a sea or country change? If you’re ready to explore life in regional Australia, you’ll find exciting job opportunities and a laid-back lifestyle that feels just right.

6 facts you need to know about studying law online

We debunk your misconceptions and highlight the unique opportunities available to you when you study law online. 

3 fascinating forensics jobs in Australia

Thinking about forensics as a career? For true crime junkies and self-confessed science geeks with a penchant for justice, it might seem like the perfect choice. But what does it take to work in forensics, and what jobs are on offer in Australia?

What area of law should I practice?

Law is a fascinating field to study—and provides many different areas in which you can specialise. Have you considered these areas of practice? 

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 523,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

How we can help you

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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