Gain a critical and multidisciplinary perspective through the Master of Public Policy.
Why study with us?
We're ranked 22nd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 5th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019.
Gain critical perspectives on the global, national and local levels of a rapidly changing policy environment with growing public scrutiny and complex challenges.
Explore the opportunities and constraints stemming from political, social, economic, civil and technological factors. We will explore migration, corruption, crisis management, governance and the environment through real-world examples.
This degree is designed for people who work in (or are looking to work in) government and the public sector, and for those working in non-government or private sector bodies who seek a better understanding of the role of government in public policymaking.
Based within the Department of Government and International Relations, electives include international relations, comparative politics and Australian politics, enabling a deeper understanding of policy design and implementation.
Join practically minded and career-oriented peers and create valuable networks. Capitalise on the many government and private sector networks available in Sydney.
To qualify for the Master of Public Policy you must complete 96 credit points, including:
Recognition of Prior Learning / credit for previous studies is available for this course, refer to Admission requirement below.
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester.
You have the option of completing a semester-long Research Project (6cp) or a year-long Dissertation (12cp) on an approved topic.
The Research Project consists of an essay OR project on a topic devised by you and approved by the supervisor-marker. You are responsible for finding a supervisor-marker, in consultation with the PG coordinator. The essay/project is to be completed within one semester. It is strongly recommended that you draft your proposal and seek a supervisor before the semester begins.
The Dissertation comprises research and writing toward a project of approximately 15,000 words under the supervision of an academic staff member. If you elect to undertake the dissertation, you must prepare a research proposal and discuss your topic with the academic coordinator prior to enrolling. Approval is subject to the department's discretion and the availability of an appropriate academic supervisor.
Admission to candidature for the Master of Public Policy (2 year full time) requires:
· A bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65 percent) average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification
Candidates may apply for a Reduced Volume of Learning (RVL) if they have completed the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Public Policy or if they have an Honours degree in a relevant discipline.
Candidates may also apply for a Reduced Volume of Learning (RVL) if they have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit average including a major in humanities, social sciences or law. Candidates with relevant work experience may also apply for RVL . The duration and relevance of the work experience will be assessed by the department before RVL is granted.
If you do not meet the requirements listed above for direct entry to the Master’s degree, you may be able to enter via a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in the same subject area and upgrade to the Master’s after successful completion of the shorter course.
This course provides opportunities for a career in administration, research, planning, education and management. Our graduates have become 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 policy advocates for international organisations such as the United Nations.
Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Indicative Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increase
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
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 so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Students
The tuition fee for international postgraduate students is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. 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 a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
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 so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this course for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSP places are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
