Charles Darwin University
Master of Public Policy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
The Master of Public Policy gives you in-depth knowledge of political, cultural and social theory approaches to public policy and a solid understanding of evidence-based policy development and evaluation embedded within practical research theories and methodologies.
Course overview
The course is designed to uniquely focus on northern Australia and its relation to South-East Asia. You'll explore policy issues in remote contexts, the significance of First Nations peoples and cultures, and the regions proximity to South-East Asia.
Key facts
What you will study
The course comprises a total of 160 credit points, involving the completion of four core units that provide a background and context to the study.
Compulsory Core units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below.
- Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics
- Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy (unit title change 2023)
- Public Policy Practice
- Evidence and Policy Evaluation
Entry Requirements
Admission Criteria
- Successful completion of a recognised bachelor's degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree or equivalent international qualification.
Applicants who don't meet the entry requirements are advised to contact the course coordinator in the Faculty of Arts and Society at fas@cdu.edu.au for further advice.
English Language Requirements
To enter Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing one of the following:
- Year 12: Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below).
- 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study: Successful completion of at least 0.5 FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years.
- CDU Enabling Course: Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5 FTE (40 credit points).
- TAFE Qualification: Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia.
- AHPRA Registration: Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement.
- English Test: Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below.
Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
- CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes: Successful completion of EAP004
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test: Overall minimum: 6.5, No band below: 6.0
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Overall minimum: 176, No skill below: 169
- Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic: Overall minimum: 58, No score below 50
- Test of English as a Foreign language: Overall minimum: 79, Minimum writing score: 21
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be able to get credit towards your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined in the university policy. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Graduating with a Master of Public Policy may lead to career opportunities in government and private companies as:
- Policy Researcher
- Advisor
- Analyst
- Writer
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated full fee in 2025: $26,160 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Estimated fees are determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.