University of Canberra

Master of Public Policy

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Equips students with advanced skills in policy analysis, strategic decision-making and governance, preparing them to tackle complex public challenges and drive impactful policy reforms.

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Download your course guide and connect with a university advisor to explore:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

Public policy is where lasting change is made.

The University of Canberra’s online Master of Public Policy course will give you the practical skills required to put the public at the heart of public policy with capabilities in research, report writing, briefings, policy planning and stakeholder management. As you learn, you will develop, grow and apply multidisciplinary knowledge to complex and critical issues relevant to the needs of a changing and dynamic public sector in Australia.

Course highlights

  • Learn practical skills to deliver constructive policies
  • Gain multidisciplinary policy knowledge
  • Understand how to respond to contemporary challenges
  • Harness the power of data to leverage policy
  • Learn in-demand skills in data analytics
  • Study online around your life and work

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Master's
Duration
24 months (Part time)
Price Per Unit
From $3,625
More Information
Prices are calculated based on your total and part-time study load of 12 units.
Intake
16th March, 2026
11th May, 2026
6th July, 2026
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
Units
12
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

The Master of Public Policy Online comprises 12 units. Each unit duration is seven weeks. The university advises a minimum of 15 to 20 hours of online study per week.

Core units
  • Foundations of Public Policy
  • Equity, Leadership and Policy
  • Evidence-Based Policy Analysis
  • Data Analytics and Public Policy
  • Policy Analysis and Evaluation
  • Communicating Policy Expertise
  • Co-Design and Deliberative Engagement
  • Public Policy Governance and Law
  • Leadership, Risk and Managing Change
  • Contemporary Policy Issues
  • Applied Policy Report
  • Public Policy Research Project

The Applied Policy Report can be substituted for one of the elective units.

Elective units

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Master of Public Policy, applicants must have at least one of the following:

  • A recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
  • A higher-level qualification in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.
  • Completed the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, the Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation, the Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy, the Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy or the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy with the University.

English language requirements

You can demonstrate your proficiency in a number of ways, including through an approved English language test or recognised past study taught and assessed in English.

The Master of Policy Online requires an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Practical public policy skills: Grow and apply your knowledge of policy across the expansive public realm as you learn to address complex and critical issues relevant to the public sector.
  • Diverse, multidisciplinary knowledge: Gain the ability to address dynamic and pressing policy challenges that span disciplines, departments, sectors and levels of government.
  • In-demand data analytics skills: Learn how to critically analyse and understand relevant data analyses and fundamental economic modelling and how to apply these to policy-making.
  • Contemporary learning practices: Develop critical skills, including leadership, co-design and communication, to drive policy impact across a range of contemporary issues.

Career outcomes

The Master of Public Policy is designed for professionals working or aiming to work in government, non-government, health, intelligence or social sectors and who want the critical skills to research, design, evaluate and create policy.

Your career options may include roles such as:

  • Director of policy
  • Director of strategy and governance
  • Head of department
  • Policy lead
  • Policy and research manager

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative cost per unit in 2026: $3,625 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative total course cost in 2026: $43,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative fees are based on a part-time study load of 12 units.

Student fees 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.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

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.