Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
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.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $32,008.00. This equates to $4,001.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
"Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries"
Why study humanities and social sciences at CDU?
Interested in world events and where we're heading? Study Humanities and Social Sciences at CDU to dive into global issues like social and political change. You'll develop the critical thinking skills, analytical abilities and creativity to understand society's biggest issues and how to address them.
- #3 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2023)
- Unique focus on Indigenous and the Asia Pacific perspectives
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
What will I study?
The course comprises of a total of 160 credit points, involving completion of four (4) core units that provide a background and context to the study. Students then select between two (2) to eight (8) units from a variety of specialist streams relevant to their field of employment and/or interest allowing you to tailor your studies to your context by drawing in units from other fields of study including relevant policy units from other tertiary institutions.
Course structure
The final 40 credit points of research project units are developed and designed in collaboration with your supervisor.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (4 units) | 40cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below. IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics |
| Research Units (2 units) | 40cp | Compulsory Research Project units totalling 40 credit points. These units are to be taken following completion of a minimum of 80 credit points of study. MPP610 Public Policy Research Project (20cp)(repeatable) |
| Specialist Electives (2 - 8 units) | 40cp - 80cp | Units totalling minimum 20 credit points selected from the list of available Research Methodologies units detailed below. Research Methodologies Units totalling up to 60 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed above or from the list below. The Specialist Elective units can be taken from one stream or spread across streams. Education Environment and Livelihoods ENG519 Sustainability Health and Social Policy PHM516 Indigenous Health Indigenous Contexts ENV517 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods Public Management and Governance BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise Secure and Safe Communities DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context |
| Electives (0-4 units) | 0-40 cps | Units totalling up to 40 credit points may be selected from postgraduate units offered by the University. Students may select units from any of the approved specialisations (as above) as electives or by cross institutional enrolment that is approved by the course coordinator. |
| 160 | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Masters Degree by Coursework AQF Level 9 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | R = Research Core |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics | CO | MPP506 Public Policy Practice | CO |
| MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy in Northern Contexts | CO | Specialist Elective - Research Methodology | SE |
| Specialist Elective - Research Methodology | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| MPP507 Evidence and Policy Evaluation | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| MPP610 Public Policy Research Project (20cp) | R | MPP611 Public Policy Research Project (20cp) | R |
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | R = Research Core |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| MPP506 Public Policy Practice | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective - Research Methodology | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - Research Methodology | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy in Northern Contexts | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| MPP507 Evidence and Policy Evaluation | CO | MPP610 Public Policy Research Project (20cp) | R |
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| MPP611 Public Policy Research Project (20cp) | R | ||
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 College of Indigenous Future, Education and the Arts by email to cifea_qateam@cdu.edu.au for further advice.
International entry pathway
International Pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU International Masters Qualifying Program (ZMQP01 or ZMQP02) or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP1 or ZAMQP2) are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | 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 Proficiency | A 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 module | A 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: international@cdu.edu.au.
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC or TAS.
UAC
UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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