Deepen your understanding of critical societal issues and engage in policy development.
Not applicable
AU$24,960 (2022 annual)
IELTS 6.5
AU$33,600 (2022 annual)
With the Master of Public Policy 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:
Graduates work as policymakers, advocates, and managers in human service, government, and non-government organisations, and, increasingly, in the private and corporate sectors.
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.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
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.
For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
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:
You'll select elective topics lead by academic experts from a range of social science streams, including:
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
IMPORTANT: International students can only enrol in plans that have a CRICOS code. Plans listed above which do not display a CRICOS code are not CRICOS registered. RMIT is in the process of seeking CRICOS registration for these plans and is awaiting the outcome.
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:
You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have:
OR
To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
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.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
If you are applying on the basis of work experience or professional practice, you must include with your application:
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
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.
You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.
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 (AQF level 7) | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
| Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
| Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
| Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.
Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters 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).
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.
You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.
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 (AQF level 7) | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
| Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
| Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
| Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for 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).
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.
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.
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.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
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.
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.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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.
You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.
See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
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:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.