Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy

Gain the expertise that policymakers need to create strategic and operational policies that make life better—locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Master of Public Policy equips you with the knowledge, skills, and competencies you need to provide high-quality policy advice under pinned by a strong sense of public purpose and integrity. You'll acquire a nuanced understanding of policy design, analysis, and implementation in the real world.

Our association with key players in government means you will learn from policymakers and advisers involved in strategic and operational decision-making.

Professor Arthur Grimes is one of the academics teaching the Master of Public Policy. Join him as he poses a series of questions about the role of governments in ensuring sustainability and prosperity—a topic that you’ll cover as part of the programme.

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this programme you need:

A Bachelor's degree

At least two years of relevant work experience in the public sector

To be accepted by the programme director as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study

IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0

TOEFL: minimum score of 90 for the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing

Pearson Test of English: minimum score of 58 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 50)

Victoria University of Wellington English for Academic Purpose (EAP) programme: minimum final scores of 4,4,5,5

Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169

New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL): Level 5 (Academic)

NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2)