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Course Overview
class="m-0 section-title__container anchorname" id="overview"> Overview Build policy expertise through a complexity‑focused core, interdisciplinary skill‑set options, challenge‑based learning in the Policy Lab, and complexity seminars that provide thought leadership. The Master of Public Policy is designed for a world where problems are complex, systems are interconnected, and careers are rarely linear. You’ll develop rigorous, policy‑specific knowledge and skills in systems thinking, evidence‑informed analysis, ethics, and policy design and implementation, preparing you to work confidently in uncertain and contested environments. A core focus is learning to navigate complexity: understanding how policies interact across domains, how power and institutions shape outcomes, and how emerging technologies and shocks disrupt existing arrangements. Complexity and Innovation seminars deepen your capacity to interpret and respond to systemic challenges and provide thought leadership on contemporary debates. The Policy Lab is the program’s experiential heart. Here you work with peers and practitioners on real policy challenges, applying your learning to live problems, testing ideas, and sharpening your judgement, communication and collaboration skills. You curate your own pathway by aligning your studies with policy interests such as climate and the environment, social policy, and justice and inclusion, and by selecting from a broad suite of applied interdisciplinary skills. The program provides a unique opportunity to undertake a minor in Arts Policy and Management for students interested in cultural policy. Prior learning and professional experience are recognised, enabling experienced practitioners to enter at an appropriate level and focus on advanced integration and impact. You will graduate with deep policy capability and a personalised, interdisciplinary portfolio of applied work.
Where You Can Study
Melbourne
124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Eligibility
class="m-0 section-title__container anchorname" id="admissions"> Entry requirements and admissions You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree. Expand all sections Collapse all sections Academic requirements Prerequisites Selection tasks English language requirements Academic requirements 2-year duration An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 (out of 4.0); OR A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a designated policy position (equivalent to VPS4), or equivalent. To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience. 1.5-year duration (with advanced standing) An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a cognate discipline with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0); OR An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a non-cognate discipline, plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in a designated policy position (equivalent to VPS4) or equivalent experience. To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience. 1 year duration (with advanced standing) RMIT’s Graduate Diploma in Public Policy Notes: You do not need to make a separate application for advanced standing (1.5-year or 1-year duration). RMIT will assess your eligibility for advanced standing as part of your application for the course. All assessments are made on a case-by-case basis. Cognate disciplines include policy studies, political science, sociology, international studies, social policy and human rights, social work/social welfare, social research, legal and justice studies, urban policy and housing, and environment and sustainability. If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago, you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program. If you would like to be assessed for additional Recognition of Prior Learning based on relevant professional experience, you must submit with your application a detailed CV, position description for each relevant role, and a personal statement detailing your experience. Prerequisites There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification. Selection tasks A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification. English language requirements You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this course. You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course. Expand all sections Collapse all sections Academic requirements Prerequisites Selection tasks English language requirements Academic requirements You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below). Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies course or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades. Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted. Prerequisites There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification. Selection tasks A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification. English language requirements To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests: IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0) TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT) for Australia: minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing) Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component. Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing. For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information . Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English Language Pathways (Academic English) Advanced at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP). Additional information Expand all sections Inherent requirements Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this course The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities. The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements. By understanding the types of activities you'll participate in, you can: understand more about the course determine if you may need support during your studies make an informed decision about whether the course is suitable for you. Adjustments If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there is a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team to discuss any adjustments you may require. To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS. If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your course so that you can participate fully in your studies. The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings. View inherent requirements <div
Career & Study Pathways
class="m-0 section-title__container anchorname" id="career"> Career As a graduate, you will be able to make sense of critical issues in society, confidently argue about the nature of policy problems, and engage in policy development and implementation practices that contribute to positive policy outcomes. Graduates often work as policymakers, advisors, managers and advocates. You’ll be able to work independently and collaboratively in teams as a lifelong learner and reflective practitioner. You will have gained skills that are transferable and relevant in a global context. These skills relate to research, policy analysis, professional communication and problem-solving. Graduates are highly employable in human services organisations, community-based agencies, various levels of government and, increasingly, in corporate and private enterprise. Relevant organisations include: federal, state and local government trade unions large community sector organisations (such as the Salvation Army, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Victorian Council of Social Service) specialist research and policy centres other organisations such as the Council to Homeless Persons and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria Inc. <div
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedCommon Questions
For entry to postgraduate coursework degrees at RMIT, you need one of the following: IELTS (Academic) overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0; TOEFL iBT overall 79 (minimum 13 Reading, 12 Listening, 18 Speaking, 21 Writing); PTE (Academic) 58 with no communication band less than 50; C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
Yes. For postgraduate coursework entry, you can demonstrate at least 2 years of professional work experience in an occupation requiring English language proficiency. You must provide a supporting statement from your employer on official letterhead (or company email) confirming that English is the language of business, duration of employment, roles and responsibilities, nature of work, scale of the organisation, and whether the company deals internationally.
No. RMIT does not accept IELTS (General) for admission into its university programs, and does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing. Only IELTS (Academic) or IELTS (Academic) One Skill Retake are accepted.
English language proficiency test results are valid for 2 years from the test date. Tests that fall outside this validity period will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. For postgraduate coursework entry, you can meet the English language requirements through satisfactory completion of 2 undergraduate level courses equivalent to at least 24 RMIT University credit points, or satisfactory completion of an AQF accredited award at certificate IV or above (or equivalent), provided the teaching and assessment was entirely in English.
Application
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