Public policy courses
Help me choose a courseIntroduction 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
Discover public policy courses
Online public policy subjects and short courses
UndergraduateUSA-HLTH2030
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 30 Jun 2025
UndergraduateGRF-GIR301
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 14 Jul 2025
UndergraduateMUR-POL246
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 28 Jul 2025
Introduction to Marine and Antarctic Science A
UndergraduateTAS-KSA101
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Online public policy degrees
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
Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration
PostgraduateFLI-PPA-GDI
Take charge of your government career
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
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
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
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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.
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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.
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Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
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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.
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