UTS Master of Applied Policy

Content developed with industry. Expert staff. Flexible online and face to face study.
The UTS Master of Applied Policy has been designed by leading thinkers and practitioners with the aim of supporting the next generation of policymakers. Want to make a difference?

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UTS Master of Applied Policy

Content developed with industry. Expert staff. Flexible online and face to face study.
The UTS Master of Applied Policy achieves academic rigour while enabling participants to learn about policy in its practical application. The course is designed for professionals who work or want to work in policy, but most importantly it is a course for exceptional people hoping to achieve exceptional results.

The UTS Master of Applied Policy achieves academic rigour while enabling participants to learn about policy in its practical application. The course is designed for professionals who work or want to work in policy, but most importantly it is a course for exceptional people hoping to achieve exceptional results

Student learning from an academic in clinical lab

Why does policy matter?

Doing policy work has never been more complex. Issues are multi-layered, stakeholders diverse and the public debate tends to create more confusion than clarity. Policies communicate the intent and direction of a particular action. They are often simple documents that communicate complex issues, but they are among the most scrutinised and debated that society produces. We understand the challenges policymakers face, and equip you with skills to develop, implement and evaluate policy in practical contexts. Policymaking matters because policy shapes society and our lived experience.

What will you gain?

The course will build your critical capabilities and your analytical skills. It will expand your networks and lift your confidence. It will equip you with skills to develop, implement and evaluate policy in practical contexts. Designed to provide a balance between applied and theoretical learning, the course will enable you to examine policy from multiple perspectives. It will enable you to take your policy career to the next level.

Students in study spaces talking as a group
Two students in uniform learning with iPads from instructor

Learn through practice

With our practice-based approach and sector-leading expertise you develop knowledge and skills valued by employers. The UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance translates its cutting edge policy-related projects into the classroom to create real alignment between students’ studies and professional practice in government and non-government organisations. This unique learning environment will empower graduates with strong skills which can be immediately applied to professional roles in the dynamic and competitive applied policy environment.

Why does policy matter?

Doing policy work has never been more complex. Issues are multi-layered, stakeholders diverse and the public debate tends to create more confusion than clarity. Policies communicate the intent and direction of a particular action. They are often simple documents that communicate complex issues, but they are among the most scrutinised and debated that society produces. We understand the challenges policymakers face, and equip you with skills to develop, implement and evaluate policy in practical contexts. Policymaking matters because policy shapes society and our lived experience.

What will you gain?

The course will build your critical capabilities and your analytical skills. It will expand your networks and lift your confidence. It will equip you with skills to develop, implement and evaluate policy in practical contexts. Designed to provide a balance between applied and theoretical learning, the course will enable you to examine policy from multiple perspectives.  It will enable you to take your policy career to the next level

Learn through practice

With our practice-based approach and sector-leading expertise you develop knowledge and skills valued by employers. The UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance translates its cutting edge policy-related projects into the classroom to create real alignment between students’ studies and professional practice in government and non-government organisations. This unique learning environment will empower graduates with strong skills which can be immediately applied to professional roles in the dynamic and competitive applied policy environment.

Diverse career opportunities

Prepare for advanced policy roles across a range of settings

Tailor your course

Choose a major stream, electives or cross-faculty electives

We value your time

Keep your career on track while you study

In the heart of it all

You’ll be studying in UTS’s state-of-the-art buildings adjacent to Sydney’s CBD

YOUR OPTIONS

Our postgraduate applied policy programs provide alternative entry paths and study durations, including a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters degree.
Student learning from an academic in clinical lab

Master’s Degree

72 credit points – 1.5 years full-time or 3 years part-time

The Master of Applied Policy course is designed to provide professionals working in the government and/or NGO sector with a combination of academic rigour and applied experience. Graduates will be able to confidently lead policy development, implementation and evaluation in their organisation.
Available streams: Applied Policy (general stream) or Local Government Studies.
Available minor: Project Management.

Take a closer look: Detailed Master of Applied Policy course information.

Graduate Diploma

48 credit points – 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Nested within the Master of Applied Policy, the Graduate Diploma provides the knowledge and expertise students require to work effectively within policy development and implementation. The Graduate Diploma includes four core and four elective subjects.

Take a closer look: Detailed Graduate Diploma in Applied Policy course information.

Student learning from an academic in clinical lab
Student learning from an academic in clinical lab

Graduate Certificate

24 credit points – 1 year part-time

Nested within the Master of Applied Policy and Graduate Diploma in Applied Policy, the Graduate Certificate provides a stepping stone into policy work or to further study.

Take a closer look: Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy course information.

YOUR OPTIONS

Our postgraduate applied policy programs provide alternative entry paths and study durations, including a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters degree.

Master’s Degree

The Master of Applied Policy course is designed to provide professionals working in the government and/or NGO sector with a combination of academic rigour and applied experience. Graduates will be able to confidently lead policy development, implementation and evaluation in their organisation.
Available streams: Applied Policy (general stream) or Local Government Studies.
Available minor: Project Management.

Take a closer look: Detailed Master of Applied Policy course information.

72 credit points – 1.5 years full-time or 3 years part-time

Subjects:

    • Contemporary Policy Challenges 6 CP
    • Policy in Practice 6 CP
    • Policy and Resources 6 CP
    • Evidence and Decision Making 6 CP
    • Research Project 12 CP
    • Electives
      • Master: 36 Credit Points
      • Graduate Diploma: 24 Credit Points

Graduate Diploma

Nested within the Master of Applied Policy, the Graduate Diploma provides the knowledge and expertise students require to work effectively within policy development and implementation. The Graduate Diploma includes four core and four elective subjects.

Take a closer look: Detailed Graduate Diploma in Applied Policy course information.

48 credit points – 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Subjects:

    • Contemporary Policy Challenges 6 CP
    • Policy in Practice 6 CP
    • Policy and Resources 6 CP
    • Evidence and Decision Making 6 CP
    • Electives
      • Master: 36 Credit Points
      • Graduate Diploma: 24 Credit Points

Graduate Certificate

Nested within the Master of Applied Policy and Graduate Diploma in Applied Policy, the Graduate Certificate provides a stepping stone into policy work or to further study.

Take a closer look: Detailed Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy course information.

24 credit points – 1 year part-time

Subjects:

    • Contemporary Policy Challenges 6 CP
    • Policy in Practice 6 CP
    • Policy and Resources 6 CP
    • Evidence and Decision Making 6 CP

COURSE STRUCTURE

Subjects Master Graduate Diploma Graduate Certificate
Contemporary Policy Challenges 6CP ● ● ●
Policy in Practice 6CP ● ● ●
Policy and Resources 6CP ● ● ●
Evidence and Decision Making 6 CP ● ● ●
Research Project 12 CP ●
Electives

 ● ●
72CP 48CP 24CP
Select electives from the following: Social Planning and Community Development, Strategic Planning, Local Government Principles and Practice, Contemporary Local Government Leadership, Organisation and Managing in Local Government, Comparative Local Governance, Research in Local Government, Development Negotiation and Community Engagement, Sustainable Urban Development, Urban Design, Scope and Integration Management, Project Management Principles, Governance, Portfolio and Program Management, Negotiation and Conflict Management, Managing Project Complexity, Project Finance and Analysis, Systems Thinking for Managers, Project Performance Improvement, Governance and Sustainability, Third Sector Contexts, Research and Project Management Skills, Economics for Management, Financial Management, Creative Industries. Additional electives for the Graduate Diploma: IPPG Applied Research Project A and B.

CP=Credit Points

APPLICATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION

Applications and enquiries

Submit applications to UTS PG Admissions.

Like to know more about the course? Contact us on +61 2 9514 7884 or email us.

Information Events

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Fees and scholarships

For information on fees visit the
UTS Essential info page

For information on scholarship opportunities visit our Scholarships page.