Programme details

Master of Public Policy – MPP

Enhance your skills in policy advising and analysis to effectively influence government decision-making and drive impactful change.

Course description

Acquire the expertise needed by policymakers to craft strategic and operational policies that enhance life at local, national, and international levels.

The Master of Public Policy provides you with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies to offer high-quality policy advice driven by a strong sense of public purpose and integrity. You will gain a deep understanding of policy design, analysis, and implementation in real-world contexts.

Our connections with key government players allow you to learn directly from policymakers and advisors involved in strategic and operational decision-making.

Develop skills to assist decision-makers in achieving optimal outcomes in environmental, economic, and social domains. Gain insights into government operations and acquire the tools to design, evaluate, and implement policies that positively impact society.

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is uniquely linked with the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG), ensuring your qualification meets the highest standards.

Our lecturers, actively engaged in the public sector, collaborate on key policy and management issues and are well-connected with decision-makers at local, regional, and national levels. This provides you with valuable opportunities to learn from leading experts.

Additionally, our associations with notable public and volunteer sector organizations, such as Taituarā—Local Government Professionals Aotearoa, Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), the NZ Council of Social Services (NZCOSS), and Hui E! Community Aotearoa, enrich your learning experience.

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

Skilled policymakers are highly sought after in both government and other sectors due to their technical expertise, creativity, and dedication to addressing societal challenges.

You could advance your career in central, local, or regional government, work with a Crown entity, join a not-for-profit organization, or contribute to a private consultancy or corporation that supports agencies in policy development and implementation.

Entry requirements

Academic
– A bachelor’s degree
– At least two years of professional work experience within the public service such as government, not-for-profit groups, iwi, and public sector service providers
– To be accepted by the academic programme leader as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study

EL requirement (any one of the following)
– IELTS (Academic): Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.0
– TOEFL (Internet-based test): Minimum score of 90, with at least 20 in writing
– Pearson Test of English: Minimum score of 58, with a ‘Communicative’ score of no less than 50
– EAP: Minimum final scores of 4, 4, 5, 5
– Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169
– New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL): Level 5 (Academic)
– NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3, with no skill lower than Level 2

Victoria University

Credits
180

Duration
1.5 years

Intakes

February

International fees
53300

Location

Qualification Type

Study level