Macquarie University
Master of Public and Social Policy and Master of Security and Strategic Studies
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Learn about the dynamics behind major geopolitical and geostrategic issues, and about multidimensional non-traditional security challenges; and you’ll extend your knowledge of analytical methods to evaluate strategic choices, and the evolution of Australia’s interests and strategy.
Course overview
The unique Master of Public and Social Policy - with its dual focus on policy analysis and applied social research – will give you a deep understanding of the forces that shape policy and the processes involved in making it. You’ll develop advanced skills in critical analysis to help you design and deliver effective policy solutions that serve the public interest, as well as the confidence to make socially informed judgements in a range of specialist policy areas.
Key facts
What you will study
To graduate with a Master of International Relations and Master of Public and Social Policy, a student must acquire 160 credit points. Each unit is valued at 10 credit points
Complete each unit below.
- Social Impact Assessment
- Policy Design: Concepts and Case Studies
- Advanced Introduction to Policy
- Doing Social Survey Research
- Evaluating Social Policy
- Qualitative Methods for Policy
- Policy Ideas in Focus: Framing Policy Problems
- Making Public Policy in a Globalised World
Entry Requirements
Full Time: 2 years
Master of International Relations
- AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent.
Meet two of the following three criteria:
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent.
- Approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning.
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65.
Master of Public and Social Policy
- AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent.
Meet two of the following three criteria:
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent.
- Approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning.
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65.
Recognition of Prior Learning
With recognition of prior learning (RPL), you could get credit for your prior study and experience, reducing the duration of your studies. Credit is awarded for formal and informal or non-formal learning. You’ll need to apply for RPL once you receive your offer to study at Macquarie.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
- Academic
- Defence Expert
- Electorate Officer
- Human Services Consultant
- Intelligence Analyst
- Market or Social Researcher
- Media and Communications Adviser
- Police Officer
- Policy Adviser
- Policy Analyst
- Public Servant
- Researcher
- Risk Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Social and Community Services Manager
- Social or Environmental Consultant
- Social Policy Researcher
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated annual fee in 2025: $32,900 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated fee displayed is based on a standard full-time study load. Fees may increase each year. For courses longer than one year in duration, you'll pay the fee that is current for the year that you enrol.
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.