University of Queensland
Master of Governance and Public Policy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop skills in governance, public policy analysis and decision-making, with opportunities to explore global challenges, leadership and contemporary policy issues through applied coursework, research or an optional internship.
Course overview
The University of Queensland's Master of Governance and Public Policy is designed for graduates and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of governance, public policy and political decision-making. The program develops knowledge of governance structures, policy processes and the social, political and economic factors that influence public policy.
You'll examine how policies are developed, implemented and evaluated, drawing on comparative approaches, economic analysis and evidence-based research. Through your studies, you'll develop skills in critically assessing policy challenges, interpreting complex information and formulating informed policy responses. Flexible course choices allow you to explore global governance, leadership and communication, or contemporary issues such as environmental change, public health and cybersecurity.
Through policy analysis and applied learning, you'll strengthen your research and analytical skills, with opportunities to undertake an independent research project or internship. Graduates may pursue careers in government, policy advisory roles, international organisations and the not-for-profit sector. Delivered on campus at UQ's St Lucia campus, the program offers one-year, 1.5-year and two-year full-time study pathways, with part-time options available to domestic students.
Key facts
26th July, 2027
What you will study
At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.
To earn the Master of Governance and Public Policy through the two-year pathway, you must complete 32 units as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth two units.
The following course structure applies to the two-year pathway.
You must complete eight units from both of the following foundational courses:
- Writing Politics (four units)
- Foundations in Politics, Policy and International Relations (four units)
Students should complete both foundational courses in their first semester.
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements
Two-year pathway
To be eligible for the two-year pathway, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline, with a minimum GPA of 5.0 on UQ's 7-point scale.
- Have successfully completed three years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution with a formal pathway to the Master of Governance and Public Policy, with a minimum GPA of 5.0.
1.5-year pathway
To be eligible for the 1.5-year pathway, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline, with a minimum GPA of 5.0.
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline and have completed UQ's Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Governance and Public Policy, with a minimum GPA of 4.0.
- Hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline, with a minimum GPA of 5.0, and have at least three years of full-time equivalent relevant work experience in a public policy organisation.
One-year pathway
To be eligible for the one-year pathway, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline, with a minimum GPA of 5.0, including a substantial research project equivalent to at least one semester of full-time study.
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline and have completed UQ's Graduate Certificate in Governance and Public Policy, with a minimum GPA of 4.0.
Relevant disciplines include political science, social sciences, governance, public policy, public administration, public management, organisational studies, history and law.
English language requirements
Applicants must provide evidence of at least one of the following:
- An IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0.
- A TOEFL iBT overall score of 87, with a minimum score of 19 in listening, 19 in reading, 21 in writing and 19 in speaking.
- A PTE Academic overall score of 64, with no individual sub-band score below 60.
- A Cambridge English Scale overall score of 176, with no individual sub-band score below 169.
- Other accepted evidence of English language proficiency.
Contact the university for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course.
For the Master of Governance and Public Policy, the 1.5-year pathway includes eight units of recognised prior learning, while the one-year pathway includes 16 units. Eligibility depends on your previous qualifications and/or relevant work experience.
Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Graduates may pursue career opportunities in governance, public policy and related fields, including:
- Think tank adviser
- Policy research institute member
- Not-for-profit manager
- Economic policy adviser
- Project environmental adviser
- Ministerial team member
- Diplomatic corps official
- Public policy adviser
- Government relations manager
- Social justice advocate
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $31,200 (Full-fee paying place)
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.
- 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.