Master of Public Policy

Program Overview

The Master of Public Policy program at the University of Adelaide equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and evaluate public policies in complex environments. Through a highly interdisciplinary curriculum, students gain a deep understanding of political, legal, and ethical issues, as well as advanced skills in policy analysis, research, and communication. The program emphasizes experiential learning, networking opportunities, and a flexible format, preparing graduates for careers in government, non-profit organizations, consulting, and other public policy-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Master of Public Policy program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and evaluate public policies in complex environments. Graduates will gain a deep understanding of political, legal, and ethical issues, as well as advanced skills in policy analysis, research, and communication.

Objectives:

• Provide specialist knowledge in policy processes and governance institutions
• Develop advanced skills in policy analysis and research
• Enhance the capability to design and implement sound policy in complex environments

Program Description:

The highly interdisciplinary degree integrates knowledge from world-class experts in politics, international relations, economics, law, environmental and social sciences, strategic communications, philosophy, and more. Students will gain:

• Deep understanding of political, legal, and ethical issues affecting public policy
• Broad awareness of public policy's underlying economic principles
• Advanced skills in community engagement and its analysis
• Opportunity to explore interests in specialist areas, such as international trade, human rights, environmental planning and governance, global food and agribusiness, public health, education, and more
• High-level research skills, through a major final-year research project

Outline:

Program Content:

The Master of Public Policy program consists of core courses, elective courses, and a research dissertation. Core courses provide a foundation in public policy theory, research methods, and policy analysis. Elective courses allow students to specialize in areas of interest, such as environmental policy, health policy, or economic policy. The research dissertation is a major research project that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world policy issue.

Course Schedule:

The program can be completed in two years of full-time study or part-time equivalent. Classes are typically held during the day, and students can choose to take a full course load or a reduced course load.

Individual Modules:

Core Courses

• Ethics and Politics in Policy
• Fundamentals of Public Policy
• Policy Analysis
• Policy Implementation
• Policy Evaluation

Elective Courses

• Global Food & Agricultural Policy Analysis
• Trends & Issues in the World Food System
• Water Security and Governance
• Resource & Environmental Economics
• Public Economics
• Development Economics
• Education Policies & Systems
• Environmental Planning and Governance
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• International Relations in the Indo-Pacific Region
• Global Public Health
• Public Health Evaluation and Economics
• Health Systems, Systems Thinking & Advocacy for Change
• International Trade: Negotiations & Agreements
• International Trade: Strategies & Opportunities
• Principles of International Trade and Development
• Agriculture and Food in International Trade

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Research papers
• Policy briefs

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The Master of Public Policy program is taught through a variety of methods, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Independent study

Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members from the University of Adelaide's School of Social Sciences. Faculty members have expertise in a wide range of policy areas, including environmental policy, health policy, economic policy, and social policy.

Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes experiential learning, with students having the opportunity to work on real-world policy projects.
• The program provides students with the opportunity to network with policy professionals and practitioners.
• The program is offered in a flexible format, allowing students to complete their studies full-time or part-time.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the Master of Public Policy program have gone on to careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Government
• Non-profit organizations
• Consulting
• Policy analysis
• Advocacy
• Research
• Teaching

Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the Master of Public Policy program are well-prepared for careers in public policy and related fields. They have the knowledge and skills to analyze, develop, and implement policies that address complex social, economic, and environmental challenges.