Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Social Policy (course code 706AA) examines key developments in social policy through a global lens, with a strong emphasis on social justice and the ability to influence policy, melding the needs of citizens with the roles of government and not-for-profit service agencies in fields such as employment, income support, education, health and climate change. Students understand the respective roles of government, private and not-for-profit sectors in meeting citizens' needs, critiquing key developments in social policy and considering the competing factors of social policy and the economy. The course engages with the social dimensions of policy including race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability and age, applying research skills to a range of organisational contexts through partnerships such as the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

234 St. Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3006

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $32,000 (2026 indicative first year fee) / AUD $67,200 (indicative total course fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available.

Duration

2 years full time / 4 years part time

Intakes

March, July

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Completion of a bachelor degree (AQF7) in any discipline with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65%, or equivalent
200 point (2 years FT/4 years PT), 150 point (1.5 years FT/3 years PT), and 100 point (1 year FT/2 years PT) entry points available based on relevance of prior studies
Entry requirements apply from the mid-year 2026 intake onward
Access Melbourne entry scheme available

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Prepares graduates to influence social policy across government, private and not-for-profit sectors
Applies research skills to real-world organisational contexts through partnerships such as the Brotherhood of St Laurence
Develops expertise in contested social policy areas including governance, inclusion and exclusion, social capital, and globalisation

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units2 units

Core social policy subjects

Coverage of governance, inclusion and exclusion, social capital, globalisation, and the social dimensions of policy including race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability and age.

Research and applied subjects

Research skills applied to a range of organisational contexts, including real-world experience through partnerships such as the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements for the Master of Social Policy?

To be eligible for the Master of Social Policy, you need a bachelor's degree or equivalent. For English language proficiency, an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is required.

When can I start the Master of Social Policy and how long does it take?

The Master of Social Policy is offered with two intake periods — March and July — and is a 2-year full-time program delivered at the Parkville campus.

What are the tuition fees for the Master of Social Policy?

The indicative first-year tuition fee for the Master of Social Policy is AUD $48,992 for 2026. The CRICOS code for this course is 049598E and the course code is 706AA.

What career outcomes can I expect after completing this program?

Graduates of the Master of Social Policy can pursue roles in government and public policy, non-profit and community organisations, international development agencies, research and advisory roles, as well as social advocacy and program management.

What practical experience opportunities are available in this program?

The program provides access to internship opportunities, including partnerships with organisations such as the Brotherhood of St Laurence, as well as executive internship placements to help students build practical experience in the field.

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.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $70,000 to $90,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $88,000 to $105,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $120,000 per year

Career Paths

Policy AnalystPolicy OfficerSocial Policy ResearcherCommunity Policy AdviserProgram Evaluator

Key Skills

Social policy analysis and critiqueQuantitative and qualitative social research methodsPolicy design, development, and implementationStakeholder consultation and community engagementProgram evaluation and impact assessment

Full Course Overview

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