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University of Adelaide

  • 28% international / 72% domestic

Master of Public Policy

  • Masters (Coursework)

Public policy shapes our lives.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
2 years full-time
Course Code
3CM240, 3CM267, 103553K
Intake Months
Jul, Feb
International Fees
$43,000 per year / $86,000 total

About this course

Conceive and create the frameworks of society

Public policy shapes our lives. It governs everything from how we do business, to how our health, welfare and education systems operate, and how our nation engages with the world.

Those who set and/or influence policy can create profound change by improving things like community equity, diversity, wellbeing, security and prosperity. Our Master of Public Policy prepares you to take the lead.

Study locations

North Terrace

North Terrace Campus

What you will learn

The Master's program is studied over two years full-time, or 18 months if extending a past bachelor degree.

It provides specialist knowledge in policy processes and governance institutions; advanced skills in policy analysis and research; and the capability to design and implement sound policy in complex environments.

Highly interdisciplinary, the degree integrates knowledge from the University's world-class experts in: politics; international relations; economics; law; environmental and social sciences; strategic communications; philosophy and more. You will gain:

  • deep understanding of political, legal and ethical issues affecting public policy
  • broad awareness of public policy's underlying economic principles
  • advanced skills in community engagement and its analysis
  • the opportunity to explore interests in specialist areas, such as international trade, human rights, environmental planning and governance, global food and agribusiness, public health, education and more
  • high-level research skills, through a major final-year research project.

Career pathways

You might pursue a career in politics or the public service. You could analyse and develop policy in a major industry body or consulting firm. Perhaps you'll interpret policy and advise on its application for a large company, a lobbying organisation, or not-for-profit.


  • Learn with our world-class discipline experts
  • Specialise in policy processes and government institutions
  • advance your skills to design & implement complex environments

Course structure

To qualify for the degree of Master of Public Policy, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study with a combined total of not less than 48 units. Students may be eligible to complete the program in a full-time standard duration of 1.5 years on the basis of prior learning.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Humanities, Culture & Social Sciences courses at University of Adelaide.
85.3%
Overall satisfaction
85.3%
Skill scale
82.4%
Teaching scale
54.6%
Employed full-time