Master of Public Policy (MPubPolicy)
Master of Public Policy (MPubPolicy)
Program Code
MPUP
Program Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics
Academic Year
2025
These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).
Overview
The Master of Public Policy is designed to for those who work in, or aspire to have a career in, policy, whether it is in government, intergovernmental organisations, industry or not for profit sector.
The program adopts a multidisciplinary approach in the development of the student’s knowledge and skills in public policy. It brings together current public policy theory and debates with practical policy analysis and research skill development relevant for the 21st Century. The Master of Public Policy also provides students with the opportunity to develop specialist policy domain expertise.
The Master of Public Policy is an AQF Level 9 qualification with a standard full-time duration of 2 years. Students may be eligible to complete the program in a full-time standard duration of 1.5 years on the basis of prior learning.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop expertise on how to create and influence effective and efficient public policy that meets future needs.
- Students will gain an understanding of the theoretical and practical underpinnings, as well as the limitations of policy processes.
- Students will develop the skills to apply this knowledge to specialist policy domains) eg agriculture, health,) but will also be able to move between different policy domains.
- Students will critically evaluate their role as public servants and community and industry operatives in the 21st century context.
Conditions
Interruption of program: Students must apply for permission from the Executive Dean or delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.
Program Maximum Duration: As specified in Table 1 of the Coursework Academic Programs Policy, this program must be completed within a Maximum Duration which includes any periods of non-enrolment, leave of absence or approved study at other institutions for credit towards a Program.
Academic Program Rules for Master of Public Policy
There shall be a Master of Public Policy.
Qualification Requirements
To qualify for the degree of Master of Public Policy students must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following courses with a combined total of not less than 48 units, comprising:
1. Core courses to the value of 15 units
2. Research dissertation to the value of 12 units
3. Elective courses to the value of 21 units
Core Courses
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Core courses
All of the following courses must be completed:
Students who have an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline to economics may substitute a 3 unit ECON Level 7 elective for ECON 7200. Program Director approval is required.
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value ECON 7200 Economic Principles (M) 3 GEOG 7009 Research Methods 3 POLICY 7001 Fundamentals of Public Policy 3 POLICY 7002 Ethics and Politics in Policy 3 3 Units from the following must be completed:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value GEOG 7013 Sustainable Cities: Climate Change and Planning 3 GEOG 7020 Cities and Housing 3 Research
All of the following courses must be completed:
Students must complete a research dissertation of not longer than 20,000 words.
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value POLICY 7003 Public Policy Dissertation 12
Electives
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Electives
Courses to the value of 21 units from the following:
Students wishing to take other Level 7 Masters electives offered at the University of Adelaide should seek approval from the Program Director. Students are encouraged, but not required to complete LAW 7177.