Doctor of Public Policy and Governance

The degree is a three-year program comprising one year of coursework followed by two years of research. The minimum length is three years and the maximum is four years. All coursework must be completed before the commencement of the dissertation, and enrolment is available full time or part time.

Core courses provide a solid grounding in policy analysis and the policy process, with opportunities to specialise in a range of areas which may include social policy, international development policy, and policy management.

Yes. The coursework component can be completed before admission through the UNSW Master of Public Policy and Governance, enabling Advanced Standing entry. Applicants must hold a Masters (Coursework) degree with a distinction average and a significant research component of at least 18 units of credit consisting of methodology training and a standalone research project, along with a minimum of two years post-qualifying professional policy practice experience.

In the research component, candidates undertake supervised research and produce a thesis of no more than 60,000 words in length. The degree is led by the School of Social Sciences in collaboration with UNSW's Social Policy Research Centre and the Centre for Social Research in Health, which participate in a supervisory capacity.

Unlike other postgraduate research degrees, the Professional Doctorate in Public Policy and Governance combines coursework with research, drawing on candidates' real-world policy knowledge while developing policy leadership, expertise and research skills. It is specifically designed for mid-career policymakers seeking leadership roles in public policy development.