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Master of Public Policy

The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.

The Public Policy course is primarily intended for those who serve, or seek to serve, in government. You will be able to develop an understanding of the political, social, economic and organisational processes that shape, change and limit public policy programs.

Major areas of interest include policy analysis, organisational behaviour, and issues management.

The MPP will enable you to gain high-level policy analysis skills that will prepare you to work in a variety of positions. They include Policy Analysts in national, state and local government, Advisers to political parties, business groups and trade unions, Strategic Planners or Advisers on government/business relations, Policy Experts within non-profit or ‘third sector’ agencies, and international intergovernmental organisations such as the UN.

Some of the units of study available in this degree include: Policy Making, Power and Politics; Governance and Civil Society; Leadership in Theory and Practice and International Public Management.

Units of study

For an up-to-date list of units of study for this degree, please refer to the online postgraduate handbook.

Full units of study list

Embedded courses

Further course information

Study plan

8 units of study (total of 48 credit points) comprising at least 2 core units, plus 6 electives. The remaining units of study are chosen from the list of approved electives, or undertaken in a relevant or related field, subject to the approval of the academic coordinator. Candidates electing to undertake a dissertation (12cp) must prepare a research proposal and discuss their topic with the academic coordinator prior to enrolling. Approval is subject to the department's discretion and the availability of an appropriate academic supervisor. The dissertation comprises research and writing toward a project of approximately 15,000 words.
Some of the units of study available in this degree include: Policy Making, Power and Politics; Governance and Civil Society; Leadership in Theory and Practice and International Public Management.

Progression rules

Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must complete 4 postgraduate units - 75% or above average (Distinction+) and written permission from Postgraduate Coursework Coordinator. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.

Capstone experience

Eligible candidates undertaking the degree of Master of Public Policy have the option of completing a dissertation on an approved topic over two units of study with a value of 12 credit points, under the supervision of an academic staff member.

Course outcomes and further study

Graduate opportunities

The Master of Public Policy prepares graduates to work in a variety of positions. These include: policy analysts in national, state and local government; advisers to political parties, business groups and trade unions; strategic planners or advisers on government/business relations; or policy experts in non-profit or international intergovernmental agencies such as the UN.

Further study

Graduates of the Master of Public Policy who have completed a dissertation with a meritorious grade are eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in their chosen subject area.

How to apply

Domestic students

How to apply

Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa, must apply through UAC.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

Please note: not all courses are offered in the July semester intake.

Admission requirements

Admission to candidature for the Master of Public Policy requires:

(a) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification; or

(b) completion of the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Public Policy with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply:
(i) directly to the University via the International Office. Further information on applications and English language requirements and support services for international students is available on the International Office website; or

(ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).

Admission requirements

Admission to candidature for the Master of Public Policy requires:

(a) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification; or

(b) completion of the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Public Policy with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.

Fee disclaimer

Domestic students

*(1)Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2011 your student contribution may differ.

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution please refer to the University's Future Student's online webpages at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/costs/calculating_costs.shtml

*(2)Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2012 tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2012 tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_coursework or http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_research

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.