Updating Results

Murdoch University

  • 37% international / 63% domestic

Master of Public Policy

  • Masters (Coursework)

Gain the analytical, theoretical and professional skills to pursue a career in government, non-profit and private sectors both in Australia and internationally with a Master of Public Policy.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
2 years full-time
Course Code
M1394, 117153M
Domestic Fees
$68,640 total
International Fees
$68,640 total

About this course

Overview

Policymaking is about finding solutions to address the social, environmental and economic issues that impact state and society. The Master of Public Policy will equip you with the skills required to respond to the ever-complex policy problems that states and governments confront, and to devise meaningful solutions to pressing policy challenges. Students who complete this course are highly sought after in government, the public sector, the not-for-profit sector, and as consultants.

Murdoch University has worked closely with relevant stakeholders to design the Master of Public Policy to help you to make a difference in your policy career. You will gain the knowledge and skills that you need to analyse policy problems, and to design, implement and evaluate policy in complex institutional and regulatory environments.

The course offers units to enhance both content knowledge and your professional skills, with assessments designed to prepare you for work as a policy analyst.

3 reasons to study a Master of Public Policy at Murdoch

  1. Work with a Murdoch industry partner on a research project that allows you to put your learning into practice as you gain academic credit.
  2. Travel to Indonesia as part of the Study Indonesia Australian Consortium for 'In-Country' Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) program and earn credits towards your degree.
  3. Learn from experts in public sector reform, public administration, political economy and governance, public sector corruption, and political communication.

Develop your skills

Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Core topics that you will study include:

  • Foundations of public policy
  • Comparative governance
  • Public sector administration and management
  • Political communication
  • Public sector corruption and its prevention

In addition, you will be able to select from a wide array of carefully curated elective units that will allow you to build expertise in particular areas of policy interest, such as environmental policy and international and community development.

Your future career

Whether you are a recent graduate expanding your knowledge, or a professional exploring a new career direction, this course will enhance your professional skills and provide you with a competitive edge in your career. You could pursue a career in the public sector, the not-for-profit sector or in roles at the intersection between government and business. Careers could include:

  • Policy analyst
  • Ministerial and Parliamentary Advisor
  • Evaluation and Performance Reporting Officer
  • Policy consultant

Read More

Read Less

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education

You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training

You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience

You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subjectMUPC (1 Trimester)Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation CourseIntroduction to Academic Communication unitFoundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
University study Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Successful completion of one of the following:
  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High program in Year 12.
  • TLC - Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian University.
Successful completion of the course.
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subjectMUPC (1 Trimester)Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation CourseIntroduction to Academic Communication unitFoundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
University study
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of one of the following:
  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High program in Year 12.
  • TLC - Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian University.
Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of the course.
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Total score of 24 or higher. Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

GCE A Levels

Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects

At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation

AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included

A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)

AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language

  • English Literature

  • Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language

  • English Literature

  • Knowledge and Inquiry

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) CPS 54 or higher. 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
VET course studied at school Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Extenuating circumstances We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more. Case-by-case assessment.
Overseas Year 12 Please refer to the information under the country of study. Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) 70

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement

Aggregate of 6 points from:

  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects

At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation

AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included

A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)

AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Minimum English requirement
A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more.
Minimum English requirement Case-by-case assessment.
Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirement Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement 70
Minimum English requirement

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6 Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4 Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Mature Age Pathway (MAP) MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

Minimum academic requirement

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Minimum academic requirement

Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Completion of a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent.
English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you've already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you've already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Study locations

Perth

How to apply

How to apply

Please indicate above whether you're a domestic or international student intending to study at a Western Australian campus.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Humanities, Culture & Social Sciences courses at Murdoch University.
87.9%
Overall satisfaction
83.5%
Skill scale
85.7%
Teaching scale
67.9%
Employed full-time
$96k
Average salary