Fees
$3,625 per unit | FEE-HELP available
Intakes
Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Oct
Units
12 units, 7 weeks each
Duration
2 years part-time
Why study the online Master of Public Policy at UC?
Supported online learning
Learn 100% online with support from UC’s politics, public policy, economics, legal and business experts.
Built for policy professionals
Gain the practical, analytical and comprehensive skills required to curate policy research and recommendations, applying them to real-world contexts.
Learn from the home of policy-making
Benefit from UC’s decades of policy knowledge and close ties with the policy community.
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.
What you will learn
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.
Your course pathway
The Master of Public Policy is designed with multiple flexible entry and exit points—allowing you to tailor your study journey to suit your career goals and interests. You can start with any of the graduate certificates below and continue into the Master's course with full credit, giving you a strong foundation while keeping your options open.
Design your pathway
*Dependent on individual study path and unit availability. Please speak to a Student Adviser for more information.
What you will study
The Master of Public Policy comprises 12 core units. Each unit duration is 7 weeks. We advise a minimum of 15 to 20 hours of online study per week.
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
*Applied Policy Report can be interchanged with one of the elective units.
Communicating with Diverse Audiences
Gender Equality, Policy and Advocacy
LGBTQIA+ Policy and Advocacy
Course information
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Master of Public Policy, applicants must have either:
- a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or
- a higher-level qualification in any discipline, from a recognised tertiary institution, or
- 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.
*If you do not meet the entry requirements above, you may still be eligible for admission through alternative qualifications or work experience. Please contact a Student Adviser to discuss your options.
Ready to learn more?
Download your course brochure for more detailed information including:
- What you’ll study
- Recognition of prior learning
- Entry requirements
- Fees and FEE-HELP
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 & Governance
- Head of Department
- Policy Lead
- Policy & Research Manager
The Australian Department of Education, Skills and Employment projection data reveals professionals – including career changers – will benefit from a postgraduate qualification in public policy at a rate up to three times the Australian average.
Taught by the best in the industry
“We’ve consulted with our course advisory groups and our industry experts and they’ve told us what they want from employees in the public and non-public sectors, particularly the health, social and intelligence sectors. Through consultation they have provided us with an understanding of what the needs of the professional workplace and employment market are. We have expert input, great pedagogy and a fantastic learning experience that is fully online."
Dr Mary Walsh
Lecturer in Public Policy
Taught by the best in the industry
“This is a forward‑thinking program designed in close collaboration with industry to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills and insight needed to navigate today’s complex policy landscape. Drawing on the expertise of highly qualified teaching staff, many of whom bring extensive experience in public policy practice and strong industry connections, the program blends academic rigour with real‑world relevance.”
Dr Raymond Li
Program Director for Postgraduate Public Policy
Frequently asked questions
To be eligible for the Master of Public Policy, you need a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent. However, you can enter the degree through the Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Public Policy – these courses only require you to have three years of relevant work experience. Speak with one of our Student Enrolment Advisers to discuss your eligibility for the courses.
As it is important that you attend tutorials whenever you can, our lecturers deliver live tutorials across the week at the times that are more conducive to a busy lifestyle. They are also recorded so you can watch them anywhere, at any time.
No. While the Master of Public Policy is designed for professionals working and aiming to work in government, it is also designed for those who are or are seeking to work in the non-government, intelligence, health, or social sector, who want the critical skills to research, design, evaluate and create policy.
Some of the most sought-after roles upon completing the course include Director of Policy, Policy and Planning Manager, Intelligence and Policy Analyst, and Policy and Stakeholder Officer. According to Job Outlook, up to 25 per cent job growth is expected within the public policy space over the next five years. Policy and Planning Manager roles are expected to grow by 11 per cent, and Policy Analyst roles by 13 per cent.
According to Job Outlook, demand for public sector roles with a policy-making skill set is expected to rise by 10 per cent between 2019-2024, with Policy and Planning Managers earning on average $878 per week more than the Australian all-jobs average.
Public policy offers a stable and impactful career where professionals influence government decisions, legislation, and societal outcomes. It combines research, communication, and problem-solving skills, making it suitable for those who enjoy analytical work with real-world consequences. Studying a Master of Public Policy or related public policy course develops the skills required for advisory, research, and governance roles in government, consultancy, and think tanks.
The University of Canberra Master of Public Policy provides a structured online program that allows students to develop practical policy skills and knowledge while working, making it easier to transition into or progress within public policy roles in Australia.
Question not covered here?
We’re here to help. Our Student Enrolment Adviser can tell you more about:
- Finding your ideal course
- How courses are structured
- How online study works
- How to apply and enrol
Ready to apply?
Start your application to study with UC Online.
