Course Overview

About This Course

The UNSW Master of Public Policy and Governance is a two-year full-time postgraduate degree, that applies a social science perspective to real-world questions of policy, research and management in modern organisations. Through this master's degree, you'll prepare for roles that require research and analytical skills, and a practical appreciation of the processes of policymaking, policy analysis, and policy implementation. This degree helps you to develop the skills and perspectives needed for the assessment, evaluation, and sensitivity of public policy. You'll explore the impacts research, public policy and governance have on clients, customers and the public. Graduate with two master's degrees by combining this program with another eligible Arts, Design & Architecture master's degree in the Master of Arts and Social Sciences (Combined).

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

For the 1 year stream:
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
For the 1.7 year stream:
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
For the 2 year stream:
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.
^Students from a non-211 university in China are now required to have a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW distinction average (75%).
Relevant disciplines include: Social Sciences; Humanities; Business; Economics; Law; Public Health; Communications; Social Research and Policy; Social Work.
Applicants with a degree in a discipline not listed here but who wish to make a case for its academic relevance may apply and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency depending on your educational background and citizenship.
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

You'll graduate with the skills, experience and depth of critical understanding to work in diverse areas of policy and governance, nationally and internationally in policymaking, public administration, research and advocacy in the private and public sectors. Potential careers include roles at: Department of Climate Change, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Alzheimer's Australia, Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia (Canada), Queensland Department of Mines and Energy, British Virgin Islands Cabinet Office — in government, non-government organisations, the business sector and private enterprise.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete the Master of Public Policy and Governance in less than two years?

Yes. The program is structured into three streams depending on your prior academic and/or professional experience. If you have relevant experience or qualifications, you may be eligible for a streamlined 1-year or 1.7-year stream. The full two-year stream is for those coming to the program with limited professional experience or a bachelor degree in any discipline.

What are the domestic fees for this program?

The 2026 indicative first year full fee for domestic students is $33,000, and the indicative full fee to complete the degree is $68,000. Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may vary accordingly.

What are the international student fees for this program?

The 2026 indicative first year fee for international students is $47,500, and the indicative fee to complete the degree is $99,500. These are estimates for tuition and study-related costs, and fees are subject to annual review.

Will I get any hands-on research experience during the degree?

Yes. The Master of Public Policy and Governance is grounded in real-world experience. As a student of this degree, you'll have the opportunity to undertake a research project or a minor dissertation on a topic of your choosing, with the flexibility to choose research topics that pique your interest.

Can prior learning or work experience count towards the degree?

Yes. You may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your work experience or prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

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