Master of Public Policy in Public Policy

COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Public Policy at Australian National University, delivered through the Crawford School of Public Policy, is a 96-unit postgraduate program designed to provide advanced training in policy analysis, governance, and evidence-based decision-making. The degree begins with a pre-sessional component that builds foundational academic and analytical skills in public policy research and social-political analysis. Students then complete 30 units of foundational compulsory courses covering key areas such as the economic way of thinking, public sector management, policy research, institutional architecture of policy, and foundational public policy studies. An additional 18 units of advanced compulsory courses deepen expertise in applied policy analysis, including economics for government, contemporary policy case studies, and evidence-based policy evaluation. The program also offers flexibility through a selection of applied management courses, allowing students to explore specialised topics such as energy security, migration and borders, public strategy, gender analysis, policy tools, budgeting, Indigenous policy, and relations with China. Practical learning is further enhanced through applied project courses, internships, and research projects that develop real-world policy skills. Students then complete at least 24 units in a chosen specialisation such as economic policy, environmental policy, foreign and defence policy, social policy, public finance, or policy communication. Overall, the program equips graduates with strong analytical, research, and communication capabilities, preparing them for professional careers in government, international organisations, NGOs, and policy advisory roles across diverse sectors.