COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Social Policy at the University of Melbourne is designed to prepare graduates to understand, critique, and influence social policies across diverse sectors. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyse complex social issues, address competing economic and social considerations, and design ethically sustainable solutions. Graduates develop expertise in areas including employment, income support, education, health, and climate policy, learning to evaluate policy impacts on citizens and communities both locally and globally.The degree is structured to accommodate different levels of prior study. The 200-point program, typically completed over two years full-time, consists of compulsory subjects, electives, and a capstone requirement. Core subjects include Comparative Social Policy, Critical Social Policy, Social Research Design and Evaluation, and Foundations of Social Policy, which provide a strong foundation in policy analysis, research methods, and critical evaluation. Students then tailor their studies through electives and complete a capstone via one of three streams: minor thesis, industry internship, or project-based coursework. For graduates with relevant prior study, a 150-point program or 100-point accelerated program is also available.The curriculum emphasizes practical application through internships, research projects, and real-world policy analysis, ensuring students gain experience in evaluating policies, engaging with stakeholders, and proposing innovative solutions. Graduates leave the program equipped with advanced skills in social policy research, ethical decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and critical thinking.Careers for graduates include roles in government, public service, non-governmental organisations, international agencies, and policy-focused research institutions. The program develops professional capabilities to influence social change, design impactful policies, and contribute to sustainable solutions that meet the needs of communities in complex and evolving social landscapes.