University of Melbourne
Master of Public Policy and Management
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Prepare yourself for a career in national and international leadership and government roles through this comprehensive graduate program.
Course overview
In the Master of Public Policy and Management, you’ll refine a high-level analytic skill set that meets the demands of complex public policy-making. Use the theoretical and analytical perspectives and debates you learn in public policy, governance and management to generate an understanding of the institutions, processes and practices of contemporary government and policy.
With over 30 years of teaching and learning, the Master of Public Policy and Management is the premier degree of its kind in Australia. Understand the challenges and opportunities of interdependence, national and local institutions, diversity and global dynamics and appreciate the potential and limits of public policy action.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
200-point program (two years full-time or part-time equivalent)
Students must complete 200 credit points in total, comprising:
- Compulsory subjects (37.5 points)
- Capstone subject/s (coursework option 25 points, minor thesis option 50 points total)
- Elective subjects (coursework option 137.5 points, minor thesis option 112.5 points)
Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is valued at 12.5 credit points.
Students must complete 37.5 points of compulsory subjects. Please note: Foundations of Government should be taken in the first 100 points of study and The Principles of Public Management and Theories of Policy Process in the second 100 points.
- The Principles of Public Management
- Theories of Policy Process
- Public Governance: Theories and Dynamics
Depending on your previous studies, relevant professional work experience, or equivalent, the Master of Public Policy and Management can also be completed through one of the following:
- 150-point program (1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent)
- 100-point program (one year full-time or part-time equivalent)
Entry Requirements
Duration: two years full-time / four year part-time
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have completed an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 70% (or equivalent).
Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Where the admission criteria include a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, the university will assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading and pass marks.
English Language Requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in several ways, including recognised previous studies taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
- IELTS (Academic) – 6.7, with no band less than 6.0
- TOEFL – 79+, with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
- Pearson – 64+, with no communicative skill below 60
- Cambridge – 176+, with no skill less than 169
Recognition of Prior Learning
Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning). Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Upon graduation from the Master of Public Policy and Management, you will be ready for work in professional fields, including:
- Senior Policy and Arts Officer
- Manager of Policy and International Relations
- Policy and Planning Manager
- Investment Advisor for the Government
- Policy Analyst
- Government Communications Advisor
Fees and CSP
Estimated first-year fee in 2025: From $16,992 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative first-year fee in 2026: $32,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total course fee in 2026: $67,200 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Unless otherwise noted, the indicative total course fee shown above assumes a study load of 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) commencing semester one of the listed year, except for courses with a duration of less than 1 EFTSL.
Fees are subject to annual review by the University, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of subjects studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of subjects.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the subjects you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.