Course Overview

About This Course

Are you interested in how governments can work to create a better future? A successful government must design and implement policies that will further the economic, social and legal interests of its citizens. You will be equipped with a multidisciplinary understanding of the role of government in economic activity, public administration and governance, and legal decision-making. Those who study public policy are driven to serve the public interest, and graduates of this course will work in all levels of government, in the not-for-profit sector, in consulting firms and in international organisations. They can be social entrepreneurs, policy analysts, consultants to government or hold public office.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Perth (Crawley campus), The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

35 Stirling Hwy, CRAWLEY, WA 6009

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

A Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA
The equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 60 per cent; OR at least two years professional experience in a relevant occupation
Alternatively, completion of a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy at UWA
2026 Intake update: Applicants must have the equivalent of a UWA Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 60 per cent, plus any additional requirements as summarised in the Admission Requirements
English language requirement: Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

The Master of Public Policy is designed to nurture current and future leaders of government, non-profit, and private sector organisations aimed at pursuing the public interest. Graduates may be employed in a wide variety of public areas, ranging from policy analysis through to management of departments and agencies. Career roles include social entrepreneurs, policy analysts, consultants to government, and holders of public office. Graduates work in all levels of government, in the not-for-profit sector, in consulting firms and in international organisations. This course is particularly useful for people with a range of skills in other areas (such as science or engineering), enabling progression to senior levels of policy or management positions in the public sector. Graduates may also choose to undertake higher degree research such as a Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy, or after three years' relevant work experience, pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units5 units

PARL5599

WA Parliamentary Research Program

Students act as a research assistant for a Member of Parliament at the Western Australian Parliament.

WILG5001

Professional Development Practicum A

Students undertake a relevant professional placement.

SVLG5001

McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship

Students undertake an internship with a not-for-profit, community or government organisation.

SVLG5003

Wicked Problems

Students form small interdisciplinary teams and work with staff, the McCusker Centre for Citizenship and stakeholders on complicated or wicked problems.

SOCS4100

Social Science Research Skills

A prerequisite unit required for students wishing to undertake a dissertation; students must achieve 70% to proceed to the dissertation pathway.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What specialisations are available in the Master of Public Policy at UWA?

The Master of Public Policy offers three specialisations: Economics, Public Administration and Governance, and Law. Students must complete 18 points of core units and 24 points in one nominated specialisation. They may also choose to complete a second specialisation, take further units within their nominated specialisation, undertake work integrated learning units, or complete a dissertation (available only to students in the Public Administration and Governance specialisation, subject to achieving 70% in SOCS4100).

Can I study the Master of Public Policy part time, and how long will it take?

Yes, the Master of Public Policy is available on both a full-time and part-time basis. The standard duration is 2 years full time, or 1.5 years for applicants with a relevant undergraduate degree as assessed by the School of Social Sciences. Part-time study is supported by flexible scheduling, including units taught after hours and intensive units, allowing students to balance work and study commitments.

What practical learning opportunities are available in this course?

The course offers several practical units including the WA Parliamentary Research Program (PARL5599), where students act as research assistants for Members of Parliament; a Professional Development Practicum (WILG5001) involving professional placements; a McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship (SVLG5001) with not-for-profit, community or government organisations; and the Wicked Problems unit (SVLG5003), where interdisciplinary student teams work on complex real-world issues. These are complemented by guest lectures from leading practitioners and real-world case studies.

Is the UWA Master of Public Policy internationally recognised?

Yes. The UWA Business School holds EQUIS and AACSB accreditations — the leading business school accreditations in Europe and North America respectively — meaning that your degree will be recognised by employers around the world. UWA is also a Communicating Signatory to Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).

What further study options are available after completing the Master of Public Policy?

Graduates of the Master of Public Policy may choose to pursue higher degree research, including a Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Additionally, after three years of relevant work experience, graduates may choose to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA). The course is also part of an articulated sequence with the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy at UWA.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $95,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $95,000 to $130,000 per year

Career Paths

Graduate Policy OfficerPolicy AnalystPolicy AdviserSenior Policy AdviserProgram Manager

Key Skills

Policy analysis and evidence-based decision-makingPublic sector management and organisational leadershipStakeholder engagement and consultation facilitationLegislative and regulatory interpretationResearch design, data collection, and programme evaluation

Full Course Overview

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