Master of Public Policy
How to apply
- Study mode
- Part Time Full Time
- Full time duration
- 2
- Murdoch code
- M1394
- First year fee (domestic)
-
2026 $17,640
2027 $18,240
- Full course fee (domestic)
-
2026 $35,280
2027 $36,480
- Australian Qualifications Framework level
- Level 9 - Masters Degree (Coursework)
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable domestic fee.
Course overview
Policymaking involves analysing and responding to social, environmental and economic issues. The Master of Public Policy provides you with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to examine complex policy challenges, consider diverse stakeholder perspectives, and contribute to policy development, implementation and evaluation.
Whether you're looking to start your career or take the next step professionally, this course is designed to support careers in government, the public sector, the not-for-profit sector, consulting, and related fields.
Informed by consultation with the MPP Course Advisory Board, you'll explore approaches to analysing policy problems and examine the design, implementation and evaluation of policy within complex institutional, political and regulatory contexts.
Alongside disciplinary knowledge, you'll develop practical and professional skills. Assessments support you to apply policy concepts and methods to problems and scenarios relevant to professional and public sector settings.
3 reasons to study a Master of Public Policy at Murdoch University
- Draw on the expertise of scholars researching in the fields of public policy, public sector administration, political economy and governance, ethics and political communication.
- Opportunity to work with a Murdoch industry partner on a research project that allows you to put your learning into practice as you gain academic credit.
- Study on your own terms. Classes are offered in a range of flexible modes that allow you to fit study around your other commitments.
What you'll learn
Build essential knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Core topics that you will study include:
- Foundations of public policy
- Governance
- Public sector management
- Political communication
- Evaluation
- Professional ethics
You can also select from a range of curated elective units to build expertise in areas of policy interest, including global governance, sustainability and climate policy, development and society, health governance, crime and justice policy, and professional practice skills.
Having completed three semesters and my honours research in Indonesia, I was able to get a much better idea of development on the ground. I found that when I graduated, I had a more realistic idea of what to expect in the workplace.
Karis Erceg, Bachelor of Arts
Your future career
Whether you are a recent graduate expanding your knowledge, or a professional exploring a new career direction, this course will enhance your professional skills and provide you with a competitive edge in your career. You could pursue a career in the public sector, the not-for-profit sector or in roles at the intersection between government and business. Careers could include:
- Policy analyst
- Ministerial and parliamentary advisor
- Evaluation and performance reporting officer
- Policy consultant
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online | Mixed mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | Yes |
| Semester 1, 2028 | Murdoch | Yes | No | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2028 | Murdoch | Yes | No | Yes |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - Build your personalised study plan interactively.
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
Fees & Scholarships
Course fees
First year fee
2026 $17,640
2027 $18,240
Full course fee
2026 $35,280
2027 $36,480
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable domestic fee.
Scholarships
Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Whether you're a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.
View all scholarshipsHow to Apply
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates. For details, see 2027 International Fees.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.