Master of Public Policy

Program Overview

The Master of Public Policy at RMIT University equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to contribute to positive policy outcomes. Guided by leading academics and industry professionals, the program reflects contemporary debates and approaches to policymaking. Graduates often pursue careers as policymakers, advocates, and managers in human service, government, and non-government organizations. The program emphasizes experiential learning, industry connections, and a focus on social justice and homelessness research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Master of Public Policy at RMIT University equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to contribute to positive policy outcomes and engage in debates regarding power, politics, and complexity. Guided by leading policy academics and industry professionals, the program reflects contemporary debates, issues, and approaches to global, national, and local policymaking and development. Graduates often pursue careers as policymakers, advocates, and managers in human service, government, and non-government organizations.

Objectives:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the links between evidence, policy, and practice
• Determine the ways in which contemporary ideas and practices enable, shape, and limit public policy reform
• Gain essential knowledge in ethics and values in the public and community sectors
• Build expertise in core topics such as sociology, program management and evaluation, governance, social and political theory, and policymaking
• Select elective topics led by academic experts from a range of social science streams, including human services, urban and regional planning, environmental management, international development and global studies, justice studies, human rights, and research

Outline:

Content:

The Master of Public Policy program consists of 192 credit points. It is taught primarily through evening classes during the week, with some classes delivered through intensive full-day workshops.

Structure:

• Year 1: Core units (144 credit points) and elective units (48 credit points)
• Year 2: Elective units (96 credit points), research project (48 credit points), and capstone unit (48 credit points)

Course Schedule:

• Semester 1
• Introduction to Public Policy
• Public Policy Analysis
• Foundations of Public Management
• Elective unit
• Semester 2
• Advanced Public Policy Analysis
• Policy Evaluation
• Policy and Program Development
• Elective unit
• Year 2
• Elective units (48 credit points)
• Research methods unit (24 credit points)
• Research project (48 credit points)
• Capstone unit (48 credit points)

Individual Modules:

• Introduction to Public Policy: Introduces the fundamental concepts, theories, and approaches to public policy.
• Public Policy Analysis: Develops analytical skills for understanding and evaluating public policy.
• Foundations of Public Management: Examines the principles and practices of public management, including budgeting, human resources, and performance management.
• Advanced Public Policy Analysis: Builds on the skills developed in Public Policy Analysis to tackle complex policy issues.
• Policy Evaluation: Provides a comprehensive overview of the methods and techniques used to evaluate public policies.
• Policy and Program Development: Integrates knowledge from previous units to develop and implement effective policies and programs.
• Elective Units: A range of elective units allows students to specialize in areas of interest, such as human services, urban planning, environmental management, international development, justice studies, and human rights.
• Research Methods Unit: Provides students with the skills and knowledge to conduct independent research in public policy.
• Research Project: A capstone project in which students undertake research on a topic of their choice, demonstrating their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world policy issues.
• Capstone Unit: A reflective and integrative unit that synthesizes the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program and prepares students for the challenges of public policy practice.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary throughout the program and may include:

• Policy briefs and submissions
• Research-based essays
• Class exercises
• Oral presentations
• Applied policy projects
Assessment criteria focus on the following:
• Knowledge and understanding of public policy concepts and theories
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Research and evaluation skills
• Critical thinking and reflection
• Professional conduct and ethics

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Group workshop format for interactive learning
• Case studies
• Collaborative group workshops
• Presentations
• Group discussions

Faculty:

• Leading policy academics with expertise in various fields of public policy
• Industry professionals with practical experience in policy development and implementation

Unique Approaches:

• Experiential learning opportunities through internships, field projects, and simulated activities
• Industry connections and collaborations
• A focus on social justice and homelessness research through partnerships with local and global communities