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The University of Western Australia (UWA)

  • 22% international / 78% domestic

Master of Public Policy

  • Masters (Coursework)

Lead the way in shaping economic, social and legal change Are you interested in how governments can work to create a better future? A successful government must design and implement policies that will further the economic, social and legal interests of its citizens. You will be equipped with a...

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
2 - 1.5 years full-time
Course Code
42580
Study Mode
In person

About this course

The course integrates theory and practice to enhance knowledge and practical skills that enables 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. With seminars led by scholars, the course is complemented with guest lectures from leading practitioners, and case studies that provide students with multiple opportunities to apply what they have learned to effectively address public, social, economic and legal issues. In the Economics specialisation, students will study the role of markets and government in the economy, and methods of economic evaluation. This is an applied economics program, focusing on a wide range of areas, including finance, taxation, health, housing, education, transport, utilities, trade, development and the environment. Taking a global perspective, this specialisation mixes theory and practice to develop the competencies of professionals working in increasingly complex public, corporate, or not-for-profit organisations either in Australia or internationally. The Public Administration and Governance specialisation focuses on the governance aspects of public policy. It prepares students to become future leaders of national and international government organisations and non-profit organisations. It is designed to give students a solid academic foundation to enable them to formulate, implement, and evaluate public policies, and provide them with a wealth of knowledge to respond proactively and strategically to economic and social needs. Students will explore the political, economic and social forces that shape a wide range of contemporary public policy issues, such as climate change, inequality and poverty, and pandemics. The Law specialisation provides students with knowledge of policy development and application within the context of specific areas of law and legal institutions. The course investigates these issues from theoretical, doctrinal and practical perspectives, and through a critical lens. It gives students useful policy, regulatory, and legal knowledge and skills to work in diverse environments, including government and non-government organisations and private businesses, particularly those working with the public sector.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

If you're interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements
(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have-
(a) a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and either:
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
or
(c) at least two years professional experience in a relevant occupation; or
(2) completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy at UWA.
Admission Requirements
(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have-
(a) a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and either:
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
or
(c) at least two years professional experience in a relevant occupation; or
(2) completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy at UWA.
Ranking and Selection Process
Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.
Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
English competency

Study locations

Perth

Career pathways

Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

The Master of Public Policy is designed to nurture current and future leaders of government, non-profit, and private sector organisations that are aimed at pursuing the public interest. Graduates may be employed in a wide variety of public areas, ranging from policy analysis, through to management of departments and agencies.

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.

Career Pathways

The Master of Public Policy is designed to nurture current and future leaders of government, non-profit, and private sector organisations that are aimed at pursuing the public interest. Graduates may be employed in a wide variety of public areas, ranging from policy analysis, through to management of departments and agencies.

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.

Further Study
Graduates may choose to undertake higher degree research, such as Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy. After three years' relevant work experience, students may choose to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Further Study Graduates may choose to undertake higher degree research, such as Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy. After three years' relevant work experience, students may choose to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Course structure

All students must complete 18 points of core units (the Public Policy Program) and complete 24 points of one nominated specialisation.

Students can select the remaining 30 points:
- to undertake a second specialisation; or
- to take further units within their nominated specialisation; or
- to take a combination of units across the specialisations and from Group 1. Work Integrated Learning; or
- to complete a dissertation (only available to specialisation 2. Public Administration Governance ) taking all units in Group 2. Dissertation, upon firstly achieving 70% in SOCS4100 Social Science Research Skills.





Conversion

Students may be required to complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points, as advised by the University. Students may contact their allocated course advice office for guidance

Core - Core Units: Public Policy Program

Take all units (18 points):

Option - Group 1. Work Integrated Learning

Take up to 6 points from this group.

Option - Group 2. Dissertation

For students in the course by coursework and dissertation, take unit(s) to the value of 24 points from this group.

Economics specialisation

Take all units (12 points):

Take units to the value of 12 points from this group.

Law specialisation

Students with a law background take all units (6 points):

Students without a law background take all units (6 points):

Take unit(s) to the value of 18 points:

Public Administration and Governance specialisation

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Humanities, Culture & Social Sciences courses at The University of Western Australia (UWA).
79%
Overall satisfaction
84.2%
Skill scale
89.5%
Teaching scale
67.9%
Employed full-time
Data source

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