Master of Public Policy

The Economic Policy Specialisation will allow you to explore the nature and role of markets (microeconomics) and the measurement, growth and operation of the aggregate economy (macroeconomics). You will consider the forms of government intervention and policy instruments, including fiscal policy, monetary policy, regulation, service provision, redistribution and taxation. Electives provide opportunities for you to study a range of economic policy issues facing most countries both domestically and in the international realm, including economic growth, unemployment, inflation, international trade, foreign investment, and liberalisation. 

The Global development policy Specialisation, allows you to examine the roles and approaches of key development actors, both state and non-state, and the ways in which they shape both national and global policy. Core courses provide you with solid understanding of theories and debates in development, and introduces advanced policy analysis skills for analysing policies. Options within this specialisation cover a range of topics such as the Sustainable Development Goals, poverty reduction, social policy, political institutions, gender, and human security. 

Offered by the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, the Indigenous Policy and Development  Specialisation you will learn from the experts, including staff from Australia's leading centre on First Nations economic and public policy issues - The Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR) and practitioners working in government departments, and First Nations organisations and communities. You will graduate with an understanding of First Nations views and approaches to development, and be able to apply them to Indigenous policy and development activities, particularly in the Australian context. 

The Policy Communication specialisation engages you in the communicative aspects of public policy. You examine how actors both within and outside government seek to communicate, advocate and participate in the policy process. Particular emphasis is given to the form and nature of policy communication, persuasion, public engagement, and public talk. You will reflect critically on how the communicative landscape of public policy is changing in an era of digital technology and 24/7 news cycles. Electives provide a variety of courses through which you can deepen your knowledge of how actors communicate, campaign and talk in contemporary public policy. 

The Social Policy Specialisation provides you with a deep and comprehensive understanding of the nature and challenges of social policy within nations and globally. Multidisciplinary in nature, this specialisation will provide insight into key theories, principles and approaches, providing a foundation for social policy analysis, development and implementation across a range of contexts. The social policy specialisation equips you with an understanding of the key actors engaged in social policy making – including the growing influence of ‘non-traditional’ actors.