Master of Public Policy
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years, Reduced duration available -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
AU$24,960 (2022 annual)
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Eligible for advanced standing, Full-time 2 yearsLocation
Melbourne City
Overview
Combining studies in policy making, evaluation, social research, and ethics, this course equips you to participate in policy advocacy and design-related activities. You will learn how you can contribute to positive policy outcomes, and participate in debates regarding power, politics, and complexity.
Taught by leading policy academics and industry professionals, the course reflects the latest debates, issues, and approaches to global, national, and local policy making and development.
You'll explore and develop frameworks for issues, such as:
- evidence-based policy and practice
- global governance
- equity
- public sector reform
Graduates work as policymakers, advocates, and managers in human service, government, and non-government organisations, and, increasingly, in the private and corporate sectors.
Details
Most of the classes are held in a group workshop format for you to interact with others, and benefit from the experience and knowledge of your peers.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches, including lectures, case studies, collaborative group workshops, presentations, and group discussions.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes policy briefs and submission, research-based essays, class exercises, oral presentations, and applied policy projects.
You will experience a range of activities designed to expose you to the challenges of working with development professionals. You will be able to undertake internships and field projects, and design, implement, and evaluate your own projects, as well as simulated activities representing real workplace scenarios.
This is largely a career-oriented course, with many enrolled students already working in the field, creating opportunities to develop professionally through shared knowledge and networks, and find related employment after, or even before, graduating.
RMIT is a world leader in social justice and homelessness research, and supports a number of research projects and networks that maintain wider links with local and global communities.
- 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing).
- 1 - 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing).
For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.
The Graduate Diploma in Public Policy is available as an exit award of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for the masters program is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with the Graduate Diploma, you must have completed all courses specified in the relevant program structure.
This course consists of 192 credit points. It is taught primarily through evening classes during the week, with some classes delivered through intensive full-day workshops.
You’ll explore the links between evidence, policy, and practice, and learn to determine the ways in which contemporary ideas and practices enable, shape, and limit public policy reform.
You’ll build essential knowledge in ethics and values in the public and community sectors, with core topics focusing on:
- sociology
- program management and evaluation
- governance
- social and political theory
- policymaking
You'll select elective topics lead by academic experts from a range of social science streams, including:
- human services
- urban and regional planning
- environmental management
- international development and global studies
- justice studies
- human rights
- research.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Policy | City Campus |
2 years full-time
4 years part-time
reduced duration available
|
2 years full-time
|
MC216 | 079593F |
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC216
Career
As a graduate, you will be able to make sense of critical issues in society, confidently argue about the nature of policy problems, and engage in policy development and implementation practices that contribute to positive policy outcomes.
Graduates often work as policymakers, advisors, managers, and advocates.
You’ll be able to work independently and collaboratively in teams as a lifelong learner and reflective practitioner. You will have gained skills that are transferable and relevant in a global context. These skills relate to research, policy analysis, professional communication, and problem-solving.
Graduates are highly employable in human services organisations, community-based agencies, various levels of government, and increasingly, in corporate and private enterprise.
Relevant organisations include:
- federal, state and local government
- trade unions
- large community sector organisations (like the Salvation Army, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Victorian Council of Social Service)
- specialist research and policy centres
- other organisations such as the Council to Homeless Persons and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria Inc.
Admissions
You must have:
- Successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) with a minimum GPA 2.5 (out of 4.0)
OR
- Significant work experience or professional practice
To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.
Entry requirements
You must have successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0).
You may also be considered if you have significant work experience or professional practice.
If you are applying on the basis of work experience or professional practice, you must include with your application:
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- A personal statement that details your experience.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in policy, politics, sociology or social work you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:
Qualification level |
Advanced standing |
Remaining program duration |
Bachelor degree |
48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) |
144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
Bachelor honours degree |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
Graduate certificate |
48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) |
144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
Graduate diploma |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
Credit
Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).
You may be eligible for advanced standing up to a maximum of 2 semesters (equivalent to 96 credits points). Eligibility for advanced standing is based on your previous studies and is assessed on a case by case basis.
Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Fees
2022 indicative fees
Full-fee places: AU$24,960.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
Payments and refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
This program is approved for income support.
You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.
If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2022 is $315.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$33,600.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$69,120.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.