University of Sydney
Master of Public Policy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Explore the opportunities and constraints stemming from political, social, economic, civil and technological factors.
Course overview
Gain critical perspectives on the global, national and local levels of a rapidly changing policy environment with growing public scrutiny and complex challenges through the Master of Public Policy.
The Master of Public Policy degree is designed for people who work in (or are looking to work in) government and the public sector and for those working in non-government or private sector bodies who seek a better understanding of the role of government in public policymaking.
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
2nd August, 2027
What you will study
Candidates for the Master of Public Policy are required to complete 96 credit points, including:
- A minimum of 12 credit points from core units of study.
- A minimum of 30 credit points from selective units of study.
- A maximum of 48 credit points from elective units of study which can include an optional specialisation (18 credit points from one area of study) as listed in the unit of study table. With the permission of the Degree Coordinator, a maximum of 12 credit points can be taken as elective units from units of study outside those listed in the Public Policy subject area of the Postgraduate Unit of Study Table, including units of study offered by other faculties.
- A minimum of six credit points from capstone units of study.
Each unit is valued at six credit points.
- The Politics of Policy Making
- Public Management and Governance
Entry Requirements
Admission to candidature for the Master of Public Policy requires a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sydney with a minimum credit (65 per cent) average calculated over the whole degree or an equivalent qualification.
English Language Requirements
You may need to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study this course.
If English is your first language, you may be able to meet the requirements if you have:
- Citizenship or permanent long-term residency (minimum ten years).
- Completed secondary or higher education (tertiary) studies recognised by the University in an approved English-speaking country.
If English is not your first language, you may be able to prove English proficiency with an approved English skills test taken within two years of commencing the course.
- IELTS score: a minimum result of 7.0 overall and a minimum result of 6.5 in each band.
- TOEFL - IBT score: a minimum result of 96 overall, including a minimum result of 20 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 22 in Writing.
- Pearson Test of English: a minimum result of 68 overall and a minimum result of 61 in each band.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Fast track your studies - You can reduce the length and cost of your studies for this course based on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) criteria outlined in the Admissions Requirements section.
Applying for credit/RPL - Check the RPL page to make sure you follow the required credit application process. The RPL information provided is a guide, all assessments of RPL will be undertaken by the faculty team once an application is submitted.
Contact the university for more information.
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2027: $17,520 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative fee per 6-credit-point unit: $2,190
Indicative full-course fee: $35,040
Indicative annual fee in 2027: $32,500 (Full-fee paying place)
Indicative fee per 6-credit-point unit: $4,062.50
Indicative full-course fee: $65,000
The average full-course fees shown are calculated based on the 96-credit-point course structure (equivalent to 16 units of 6 credit points) completed over 2 years full-time.
The indicative full-course fees are calculated using the published 2027 annual rates, assuming these remain unchanged across both years of study.
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student's annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of units and specialisations.
- 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.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) to universities each year, which are then distributed to eligible students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount, with the remaining cost subsidised by the Australian Government.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated according to the units you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas of those units.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
Students may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which is not included in the indicative tuition fees.
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.