Master of Public Policy

    Master of Public Policy

    Duration2 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 26,924 / Year
    Next IntakeJuly 21, 2026
    Master of Public Policy

    About

    The Master of Public Policy gives you in-depth knowledge in political, cultural and social theory approaches to public policy and solid understanding of evidence-based policy development and evaluation imbedded within practical research theories and methodologies.

    Challenge yourself by taking on Masters' level study and gain transferrable skills to advance your career.

    The course is designed to uniquely focus on northern Australia and its relation to South-East Asia.

    You'll explore policy issues in remote contexts, the significance of First Nations peoples and cultures, and the regions proximity to South-East Asia.

    Streams include:

    • Education
    • Environment and livelihoods
    • Health and social policy
    • Indigenous contexts
    • Public management and governance
    • Secure and safe communities


    The 2 year (full-time) or 4 year (part-time) course, can be studied 100% online or on-campus and culminates in a research project that explores issues of research in policy related fields.

    Whilst the structure is mostly prescriptive, there is scope within the course to conceptualise new thinking in an important public policy research project of your choice.

    We welcome the opportunity to discuss your ideas and to tailor a course to suit. During course engagement you will receive one-on-one supervision and support from university research, public policy researchers, policy developers and evaluators, and teaching staff.



    Disciplines

    Faculty of Arts and Society

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Entry requirements

    Admission criteria

    Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or equivalent international qualification.

    Applicants who don't meet the entry requirements, are advised to contact the course coordinator in the Faculty of Arts and Society by email to [email protected] for further advice.

    International entry pathway

    International PathwayApplicants who have completed the CDU International Masters Qualifying Program (ZMQP01) or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP1) are eligible for entry.

    Essential requirements

    English language requirements

    INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

    To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.

    The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

    CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40)Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4
    IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake)A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
    Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169.
    Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU.
    Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50.
    TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21.

    * All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
    * Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

    Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: [email protected].

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 58
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 79

    English Program Requirements

    INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

    To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.

    The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

    CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40)Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4
    IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake)A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
    Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169.
    Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU.
    Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50.
    TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21.

    * All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
    * Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

    Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: [email protected].

    Career

    Career opportunities

    Graduating with a Master of Public Policy may lead to career opportunities in government and private companies as a policy researcher, advisor, analyst or writer.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    26,924 / year
    Master of Public Policy
    Charles Darwin University
    Charles Darwin University
    Australia

    Australia, Darwin