Master of Public Policy

Programme Overview

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a career-focused qualification designed to equip future leaders with the analytical tools and strategic insight required to solve complex, real-world societal problems. The curriculum provides solid foundations in policy analysis, program evaluation, economics, and political mechanics. Students are trained to evaluate the systematic design and societal impacts of public policies, preparing them to introduce data-driven and socially responsible changes within institutional and community landscapes.

Programme Pathways

The program is split into two primary point-allocations, both available under either a Taught or Research track:

1. 180-point Pathway: Designed for students entering directly from a completed undergraduate degree with a relevant major. Available on-campus or via a prescribed 100% online taught path.
2. 120-point Pathway: A fast-track option tailored for students who already hold a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Politics and International Relations (or a closely related discipline).

What You'll Study

The exact credit allocation varies by pathway, but the core and research options feature the following structural components:

• Compulsory Taught Foundation (60 to 75 points): Establishes advanced technical competencies across core papers:
  • Policy Analysis and Evaluation (POLICY 701) – 15 points
  • Economics of Policy (POLICY 702) – 15 points
  • Quantitative Methods and Analysis for Public Policy (POLICY 703) – 15 points
  • Comparative Public Policy (POLITICS 757) – 15 points
  • Research Design in Empirical Political Inquiry (POLITICS 701) – 15 points (required for the 180-point Research track)
• Elective Options (15 to 60 points): Selective modules examining localized policy realities, including Environmental Policy, Resource Management, Educational Policy, or Contemporary Criminology.
• Research & Project Options (60 or 90 points):
  • Taught Track: Culminates in a 60-point Research Project or a focused Applied Policy Project.
  • Research Track: Culminates in a major, independent 90-point Master's Thesis under academic supervision.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Flexible Delivery Formats: Easily balance full-time careers or professional obligations by choosing traditional on-campus evening streams or the 100% online part-time path.
• Applied Analytical Focus: Integrates core quantitative methods with qualitative economics, enabling you to build balanced, multi-dimensional policy briefs.
• Strong Institutional Value: Directly aligns with local, national, and international governance parameters, rendering your project work immediately applicable to public services.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Minimums:
  • For the 180-point track: A completed bachelors degree from a recognized institution with a GPA/GPE of 5.0 or higher in your advanced, upper-level courses, alongside a relevant major. Alternatively, entry via passing 60 points of an unawarded Postgraduate Certificate in Arts at a 5.0 GPA baseline.
  • For the 120-point track: A BA(Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts with a 5.0 GPA or higher in a relevant discipline, plus the completion of prerequisite coursework (e.g., POLICY 742 or equivalent).
• Prerequisite Adjustment: Applicants who meet academic standards but lack foundational public policy coursework (POLICY 742 or equivalent) must complete this requirement concurrently within their first year of study.
• Selection Process: Admission is verified individually. The faculty board reviews the academic relevance of your background before granting an offer.
• Language Requirement: Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall (all sub-bands 6.0+) or equivalent.