Graduate · Political Science & International Relations
Master of Public Policy
University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
About this program
UC's Master of Public Policy is delivered fully online and built from 12 core units, each running on a compressed seven-week cycle rather than a standard semester; the university advises 15-20 hours of study per week, which lets motivated students finish in as little as two years while working full time.
The content is explicitly applied rather than theoretical: policy analysis, economic modelling, data analytics and program evaluation sit alongside more traditional units on the machinery of government. Being based in the national capital gives UC's politics and public policy staff direct lines into Commonwealth departments and agencies, which shows up in guest contributions and case material drawn from actual ACT and federal policy processes rather than generic international examples.
The degree sits within a nested suite (Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master), so students can exit early with a lower award or step up into the full Master of Public Policy depending on how their circumstances change during study.
Cost & duration
English test scores
Course structure
3 terms of coursework
- Core units (12 x 7-week blocks): Foundations of Public Policy
- The Policy Process
- Public Sector Economics
- Policy Analysis and Evaluation
- Government and Governance
- Data Analytics for Policy
- Program Evaluation
- Public Finance and Budgeting
- Regulation and Policy Instruments
- Comparative Public Policy
- Strategic Policy Leadership
- Applied Policy Project
- Exit points: Graduate Certificate in Public Policy (4 units)
- Graduate Diploma in Public Policy (8 units)
- Master of Public Policy
- Capstone: Applied Policy Project addressing a real government or public-sector problem
Admissions
A bachelor degree in any discipline (or equivalent); relevant government/public-sector experience well regarded.