Master of Public Policy

Overview

Within the Master of Public Policy program from The University of Western Australia you may choose to complete any one of the three specialisations: Economics, Public Administration and Governance, or Law. You may also choose to complete a combination of two of these specialisations.

Are you interested in how governments can work to create a better future? A successful government must design and implement policies that will further the economic, social and legal interests of its citizens. You will be equipped with a multidisciplinary understanding of the role of government in economic activity, public administration and governance, and legal decision-making.

In the Economics specialisation, students will study the role of markets and government in the economy, and methods of economic evaluation. This is an applied economics program, focusing on a wide range of areas, including finance, taxation, health, housing, education, transport, utilities, trade, development and the environment. Taking a global perspective, this specialisation mixes theory and practice to develop the competencies of professionals working in increasingly complex public, corporate, or not-for-profit organisations either in Australia or internationally.

The Public Administration and Governance specialisation focuses on the governance aspects of public policy. It prepares students to become future leaders of national and international government organisations and non-profit organisations. It is designed to give students a solid academic foundation to enable them to formulate, implement, and evaluate public policies, and provide them with a wealth of knowledge to respond proactively and strategically to economic and social needs. Students will explore the political, economic and social forces that shape a wide range of contemporary public policy issues, such as climate change, inequality and poverty, and pandemics.

The Law specialisation provides students with knowledge of policy development and application within the context of specific areas of law and legal institutions. The course investigates these issues from theoretical, doctrinal and practical perspectives, and through a critical lens. It gives students useful policy, regulatory, and legal knowledge and skills to work in diverse environments, including government and non-government organisations and private businesses, particularly those working with the public sector.

Career opportunities:

The Master of Public Policy course from The University of Western Australia is designed to nurture current and future leaders of government, non-profit, and private sector organisations that are aimed at pursuing the public interest. Graduates may be employed in a wide variety of public areas, ranging from policy analysis, through to management of departments and agencies.

This course is particularly useful for people with a range of skills in other areas (such as science or engineering), as it will complement your skills in these areas, and enable you to progress through to senior levels of policy or management positions in the public sector.