Master of Public Policy (Online)
Shape the future of society and organisations by tackling real-world policy challenges. Book ConsultationApply NowMaster of Public Policy (Online)
Shape the future of society and organisations by tackling real-world policy challenges. Book ConsultationApply NowARTS AND EDUCATION
MPP
Our programme is designed to prepare you to lead in public policy analysis and make impactful contributions to important issues. Learn the theoretical & practical skills to develop effective Public Policy that solves challenging, real-world problems. Use those skills to advance your career in the public sector or NGOs.
Upcoming Webinar – Thursday, 12 December 2024, 12pm
Entry Requirements
Pathways are available for those who do not meet the entry criteria.
Duration
Next Start Dates
- 3 March 2025 (Applications close 17 February)
Full Programme Fees
Why is this programme right for you?
The online Master of Public Policy programme is for those who want to further develop their knowledge of public policy. During this degree, you will learn how to connect theory with practice by studying the nature of policy, policy design and policy process through a set of courses which includes an externship designed to facilitate work-integrated learning, as well as independent research. Your future in shaping policy awaits!
Want to know more?
What are the key benefits?
1. Hands-on Practical Experience Through Externships:
The University of Auckland’s renowned online Master of Public Policy is distinguished by its commitment to practical experience. As part of your studies, you will be complete a consulting project with a relevant organisation, such as government agencies, policy consultancies, ministries, and NGOs. This immersive experience not only allows you to showcase your expertise but also helps builds an extensive network of industry connections that will support your career advancement.
2. Learn from Leading Researchers with Dedicated Resources:
Engage in meaningful learning with our esteemed academic team and industry professionals who are committed to addressing a range of challenging policy questions. Our diverse interdisciplinary research interests enable us to support your unique dissertation, enriching your academic journey. As part of the Public Policy Institute, you gain access to guest speakers, seminars, and events, gaining exclusive insight into the latest developments and research in the field.
3. Transformative and Engaging Online Learning Experience:
Our easy-to-use online learning platform offers you the flexibility to balance your studies with a busy life, ensuring you receive a world-class education at your convenience.
5. Global Learning, Local Impact:
Our online programme allows you to study at your own pace, making it ideal for busy professionals. Access high-quality course materials and engage with expert faculty from anywhere in the world, with unparalleled online student support every step of the way.
*Live sessions are recorded and made available for asynchronous viewing.
6. Real Success Stories:
Join a community of successful alumni who have transitioned into significant roles across various sectors, including government, NGOs, and academia. Hear from graduates who attribute their career advancements to the skills and connections gained during the programme.
Programme Structure
The MPP consists of 6 courses that total 180 points. Each course runs over a 12 week teaching period, allowing you to study two courses a year, one course at a time and complete the full programme in three years.
Course Code |
Course |
Description |
Points |
| POLICY 740 | Policy Design, Analysis and Implementation | Provides a critical overview of the policy process including problem definition, co-design as well as focusing on a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to policy analysis, including cost-benefit analysis, regulatory impact analysis and gender and diversity impact assessments. | 30 |
| POLICY 741 | Government and Policy: New Zealand Compared | An examination of the composition, functions and rules associated with New Zealand’s machinery of government at both central and local level. Analyses the relative impact of institutions, interests and ideas on public policy outcomes in New Zealand and internationally. Applies these understandings to the methods and processes associated with policy transfer and lesson drawing cross-nationally. | 30 |
| POLICY 742 | Statistics and Data Analysis for Policy | Provides an advanced introduction to statistical analysis and examines the use of different types of data used in evidence-based policy making, as well as the issues associated with the advent, use and governance of big data. Covers research design choices and quantitative methods for policy analysis. | 30 |
| POLICY 743 | Economics, Budgets and Bureaucrats | Applies key concepts and tools of economic analysis to contemporary policy problems. Focuses on the allocation of the economy’s resources, the budget process and the role of public finance agencies, rationales for government intervention in a market economy, and the impact of expenditure and taxation on the economy and citizens’ wellbeing. | 30 |
| POLICY 744 | Policy in Practice | Provides a practical opportunity for participants to work with a policy agency in an advisory capacity to develop evidence-informed recommendations addressing a complex policy problem. Engages students in a team-based exercise that applies the knowledge and skills gained from completing the core courses in a way that informs “real world” policy decisions. | 15 |
| POLICY 793 | Dissertation | Develops students’ ability to design and undertake a policy related independent academic research project under supervision and to present a dissertation of 15,000 words. | 45 |
Programme Structure
The MPP consists of 6 courses that total 180 points. Each course runs over a 12 week teaching period, allowing you to study two courses a year, one course at a time and complete the full programme in three years.
POLICY 740 - Policy Design, Analysis and Implementation - 30 Points
Provides a critical overview of the policy process including problem definition, co-design as well as focusing on a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to policy analysis, including cost-benefit analysis, regulatory impact analysis and gender and diversity impact assessments.
POLICY 741 - Government and Policy: New Zealand Compared - 30 points
An examination of the composition, functions and rules associated with New Zealand’s machinery of government at both central and local level. Analyses the relative impact of institutions, interests and ideas on public policy outcomes in New Zealand and internationally. Applies these understandings to the methods and processes associated with policy transfer and lesson drawing cross-nationally.
POLICY 742 - Statistics and Data Analysis for Policy - 30 points
Provides an advanced introduction to statistical analysis and examines the use of different types of data used in evidence-based policy making, as well as the issues associated with the advent, use and governance of big data. Covers research design choices and quantitative methods for policy analysis.
POLICY 743 - Economics, Budgets and Bureaucrats - 30 points
Applies key concepts and tools of economic analysis to contemporary policy problems. Focuses on the allocation of the economy’s resources, the budget process and the role of public finance agencies, rationales for government intervention in a market economy, and the impact of expenditure and taxation on the economy and citizens’ wellbeing.
POLICY 744 - Policy in Practice - 15 points
Provides a practical opportunity for participants to work with a policy agency in an advisory capacity to develop evidence-informed recommendations addressing a complex policy problem. Engages students in a team-based exercise that applies the knowledge and skills gained from completing the core courses in a way that informs “real world” policy decisions.
POLICY 793 - Dissertation - 45 points
Develops students’ ability to design and undertake a policy related independent academic research project under supervision and to present a dissertation of 15,000 words.
*Our Programme Advisors will provide all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, course fees, examinations and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates as per the University Calendar. Courses are paid per Semester. Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $4.44 per point (online). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses
What do our graduates say?
The Online MPP allowed me to continue working in a job I loved at Auckland Transport while being able to upskill myself in an area that I was passionate about.
After graduating, I have moved to New York City and having the MPP on my resume has made me a strong candidate in a competitive market.
Master of Public Policy – Enquire Now
Experimenting with programming in the browser
How to Learn the Basics of Programming? Getting started with programming can be a daunting prospect. Reading code can seem like you're reading a foreign language. Also, there are a huge amount of resources available online - but where do you start? Today we'll be...
Educational Leadership During Challenging Times
The pandemic has pushed us to make change, to transform our practice, to relate to each other in new ways and to think differently about what it means to learn and lead and how learning and leadership happens. As leaders under these conditions we can sometimes...
Perspectives in Public Policy – The Policy Cycle
What is Public Policy? According to Wilson (2009), public policy is what governments decide to do, or not do, and their explanations for the outcomes of those decisions in the real world. A recent example of this is the government's 2019 cash injection into the mental...
