University of Western Australia
Master of Public Policy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Students will be equipped with a multidisciplinary understanding of the role of government in economic activity, public administration and governance, and legal decision-making.
Course overview
The Master of Public Policy will give you a multidisciplinary understanding of the role of government in economic activity and public administration and governance. The course focuses on how government interacts with the economy, law and society. Topics taught include economic growth, stability, taxation, infrastructure provision, regulation, health, defence, education, comparative law, theories of justice and punishment, public international law and social security.
The course integrates theory and practice to enhance knowledge and practical skills that enable you to respond proactively and strategically to public, economic and social needs. You may choose to complete any one of the three specialisations: Economics, Public Administration and Governance, or Law. You may also choose to complete a combination of two of these specialisations.
Key facts
What you will study
All students must complete 18 points of core units (the Public Policy Program) and also fulfil 24 points of one nominated specialisation. Unless otherwise stated, each unit is valued at six points.
Students can select the remaining 30 points through one of the following:
- Undertake a second specialisation.
- Take further units within their nominated specialisation.
- Take a combination of units across the specialisations and from Group 1. Work Integrated Learning.
- Complete a dissertation (only available for specialisation 2. Public Administration Governance), taking all units in Group 2. Dissertation, upon firstly achieving 70% in Social Science Research Skills.
Conversion
As advised by the university, students may be required to complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points. Students may contact their allocated course advice office for guidance.
Public Policy Program
Take all units (18 points):
- The Economics of Public Policy
- Intersections of Law, Policy and Governance
- The Politics of Public Policy
Entry Requirements
To be considered for admission to this course, an applicant must have one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA and either the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent or at least two years of professional experience in a relevant occupation.
- A completed Graduate Certificate in Public Policy at UWA.
English Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA. You will also need to meet the University's English language requirements to be eligible for a place.
Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
Career outcomes
The Master of Public Policy is designed to nurture current and future leaders of government, non-profit and private sector organisations that pursue the public interest. Graduates may be employed in a wide variety of public areas, from policy analysis to department and agency management.
This course is particularly useful for people with a range of skills in other areas (such as science or engineering), as it will complement your skills in these areas and enable you to progress through to senior levels of policy or management positions in the public sector.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Annual course fee in 2025: $26,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The annual course fee is calculated based on a study load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL).
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of courses.
- 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.