RMIT UNIVERSITY

COURSES AND PROGRAMS

MASTERS BY COURSEWORK

Master of Public Policy

Plan: MC216 - Master of Public Policy
Campus: City Campus

PROGRAM DETAILS
Award title: Master of Public Policy
Award abbreviation: MPubPol
Total credit points: 192
Career: PGRD
Duration: Full-time 2 years, Eligible for advanced standing

Campus: Melbourne City

Owning school: Global, Urban and Social Studies (365H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/socialhumanities
ASCED code: 090100
CRICOS code: 079593F

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM

This program has been specifically designed for policy actors and managers working in government,
community sector organizations. With a focus on public policy making and development, the program
has been designed to enable you to develop specialised theoretical and practical knowledge/skills in all
facets of public policy.
You will engage in critical enquiry in regard to global, national and local policy practice and be
conversant with key concepts, debates and processes that underpin contemporary policy making
activities. While acquiring critical thinking and research skills, you will also learn to how to explore the

links between evidence, policy and practice and develop the capacity to determine the ways in which
contemporary ideas and practices enable, shape and limit public policy reform.
On completion of the program you will be able to engage in professional practice across a range of
different contexts (private sector, government and non government organizations). You will be able to
make sense of critical issues in society, confidently argue about the nature of policy problems and engage
in policy development/implementation practices that contribute to positive policy outcomes. You will
also be able to work independently and collaboratively in teams.
As a life-long learner and reflective practitioner, you will have gained skill sets that are transferable and
able to be practised in a global context. These skills relate to research, policy analysis, professional
communication and problem solving.
A capstone experience based on an individually negotiated professional practice project will enable you
to synthesize and integrate your knowledge, connect theory and practice as well as demonstrate your
achievement of all the program learning outcomes.

INTAKES
February 2015, July 2015, February 2016, July 2016, February 2017, July 2017
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

You must have successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas
qualification) in any discipline.
You may also be considered if you have significant work experience or professional practice.
Prerequisites
None
Selection tasks
Statement and CV: If you are applying on the basis of work experience, you must provide a CV
and direct applicant statement detailing your experience.
English language requirements
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
TOEFL (Paper based): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 92 (with minimum of 20 in all

sections)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE A)): minimum score of 58 (with no band less than

50)
Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): CAE Grade B (with no band less than Good)
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests
recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT
English Worldwide.
STEPS TO APPLY

1. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

2. Ensure you have your supporting documents ready - this includes certified copies of all
academic transcripts.
3. You can either submit your application using iApply online or use a registered RMIT
representative in your country.
There are no application deadlines for international students; however, we encourage you to
apply early as acceptance into programs is subject to the availability of places. An application
fee may apply.
Learn more about the International application process.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
As a graduate of this program you will be able to:

Use strategic thinking and planning to develop creative evidence-based solutions for contemporary

social problems/policy issues

Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on complex theories, evidence and modes of reasoning, and
recent developments both local and international, to extend and challenge knowledge and practice in

public policy
Analyse policy research, develop effective arguments for policy change and successfully scope,
produce and disseminate policy evidence, using these skills to plan and execute a substantial

research-based project
Engage in high level logical and persuasive written communication and public presentations, and

confidently debate, prepare and critique policy documents and proposals

Critically analyse the social, political, organisational, economic and environmental drivers that both

enable and limit public policy reform and apply to professional practice
Use appropriate ethical ideas and reflective practice skills to engage in professional policy practice
and scholarship

PROGRAM DELIVERY AND STRUCTURE

Approach to learning and assessment

The program is designed to offer a degree of flexibility, offering courses with face-to-face weekly lectures,
intensive weekend workshops, summer school electives and some distance mode courses. Core courses
are generally offered as face-to-face classes in the evening as two hour intensives.
Courses will use a variety of teaching approaches including workshops, seminars, studios, lectures and
tutorials and use methods such as case studies, collaborative group work, negotiated learning, peer
review, presentations and discussion. Learning experiences will include guest seminars from eminent
scholars and development professionals and extend to opportunities to learn explicit field research and
vocational skills from experienced researchers and development professionals.
The program offers a wide range of modes of teaching, learning and assessment approaches and
activities. These teaching modes involve a mix of formal input from lecturers and guest lecturers, class
activities and discussion. Classes encourage your engagement with other students as central to your
learning. Teaching staff recognise and support the very rich policy and management experiences which
you and other students bring to the program and will seek to incorporate this expertise in the program
whenever possible.
You will experience a range of activities including Work Integrated Learning (WIL) which are designed
to expose you to the challenges of working with development professionals. You will be able to
undertake internships and field projects, and design, implement and evaluate your own projects as well
as simulated activities representing real work place scenarios.
Assessment
Assessment activities take a variety of formats (eg policy briefs, syndicate presentations, researchbased essays, policy briefing papers, submissions inquiries) and are fully described and specified in
course guides. There are a number of common features of assessment in courses across the program
including :

close alignment with stated course graduate capabilities and learning objectives;
opportunities for you to review and discuss assessment requirements and standards;
the provision of timely, written feedback on assessment tasks.

Most of the assessment you undertake will be designed so that your lecturer and peers can provide you
with ongoing feedback on strengths and areas for improvement in your learning. This approach will
enable you to improve on your performance during the program, as well as continue to refine
capabilities for your future professional practice and learning after graduation.
The project in your final semester will be a capstone experience designed as a culmination of your
learning throughout the program.

If you have a long term medical condition, disability or other form of disadvantage it may be possible to
negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program
coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
If you have already developed areas of skill and knowledge included in this program (for example,
through prior studies or work experience), you can apply for credit once you have enrolled in this
program. There is information on the RMIT website about how to apply for Recognition of Prior
Learning (RPL)
http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit/he
WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning
with professional or vocational practice. As a student enrolled in this RMIT University program you will:

undertake and be assessed on structured activities that allow you to learn, apply and

demonstrate your professional or vocational practice;

interact with industry and community when undertaking these activities; complete these

activities in real work contexts or situations; and in addition:

these interactions and the work contexts provide distinctive sources of feedback to you to assist
your learning.

Any or all of these aspects of a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience may be simulated.
The specific WIL courses in this program are:

POLI1052 Policy Making

POLI1100 Integrated Policy and Research Project

These courses will bring together understanding of theoretical perspectives and the use, scoping and
critique of applied policy research by community and public sector agencies. You can expect to receive
feedback from industry in a number of forms.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE
To graduate you must complete the following:
All courses listed may not be available each semester.

Year One of Program

Complete the following Six (6) Courses:
Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Social Policy

12

POLI1051

City Campus

Global Governance

12

POLI1099

City Campus

Sociology of Social Problems

12

HUSO2344

City Campus

Social and Political Theory

12

HUSO2075

City Campus

Policy Economics

12

POLI1050

City Campus

Policy Making

12

POLI1052

City Campus

AND
Select and Complete Two (2) Courses (24 credit points) from any the following Program Elective areas: Research
Stream
Course Title

Credi
t
Points

Course
Code

Campus

Research Strategies - Social Sciences

12

HUSO2079

City Campus

Masters Minor Thesis 1

12

HUSO2351

City Campus

Social Planning

12

ARCH1321

City Campus

Social Impact Assessment and Community

Engagement

12

ARCH1323

City Campus

International Project Management, Monitoring

and Evaluation

12

HUSO2168

City Campus

Community Economic Analysis

12

ECON1280

City Campus

OR

Public Policy and Management Stream

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Policy Governance

12

POLI1097

City Campus

Indigenous Policy

12

POLI1101

City Campus

Policy Futures

12

POLI1096

City Campus

Policy Communication

12

POLI1091

City Campus

Management Issues

12

HUSO2082

City Campus

Transforming Organisations

12

HUSO2160

City Campus

Innovative Local Government

12

ENVI1149

City Campus

Law and Justice Policy

12

SOCU2073

City Campus

Sustainable Energy Policy and Practice

12

ARCH1269

City Campus

Field Project

12

HUSO2170

City Campus

Environmental Policy

12

ENVI1127

City Campus

Planning Systems and Public Policy

12

ARCH1295

City Campus

OR
Human Services Stream
Course Title

Credit
Points

Course
Code

Campus

Mental Health

12

HUSO2271

City Campus

Community Development Strategies (Social Work

Theory and Practice IV)

12

HUSO2068

City Campus

Advanced Advocacy and Social Action

12

HUSO2069

City Campus

Conflict Resolution and Mediation

12

ARCH1271

City Campus

Social Work with Groups ( Social Work Theory and

12

HWSS2112

City Campus

Practice III)
Working with Violence and Abuse

12

HWSS2159

City Campus

Cultural Difference and Human Service Practice

12

HWSS2190

City Campus

OR
Urban and Regional Planning Stream
Course Title

Credit
Points

Course
Code

Campus

Project Planning and Implementation for

Change

12

ARCH1260

City Campus

Managing Contemporary Urban

Environments

12

ARCH1261

City Campus

Strategic Plan Preparation

12

ARCH1263

City Campus

Planning for Community Development

12

ARCH1268

City Campus

Sustainable Regional Development

12

ENVI1151

City Campus

Rural and Regional Planning

12

ARCH1283

City Campus

International Project Planning and

Design

12

HUSO2159

City Campus

Integrated Transport Planning

12

ARCH1311

City Campus

Integrating Health and Planning

12

ARCH1312

City Campus

OR
Environmental Management Stream
Course Title

Credit
Points

Course Code

Campus

Indigenous Land Use (Voc Conf)

12

HUSO2066

City Campus

Parks and Public Land Management

12

ARCH1262

City Campus

Environmental Management - EIA and EMS

12

ENVI1128

City Campus

Heritage and Environmental Design

12

ARCH1264

City Campus

Coastal and Catchment Management

12

ARCH1266

City Campus

Environmental Theory

12

ENVI1129

City Campus

Green Cities

12

ARCH1287

City Campus

Ecological Economics

12

ENVI1160

City Campus

Ecosystems and Human Impact

12

ENVI1162

City Campus

Strategies for Sustainability

12

ENVI1169

City Campus

Water Policy and Management

12

ENVI1173

City Campus

OR
International Development and Global Studies Stream
Course Title

Credit
Points

Course
Code

Campus

Microfinance and Development

12

HUSO2067

City Campus

Urbanisation Issues in the Developing World

12

ARCH1265

City Campus

Health Issues in Development

12

HUSO2072

City Campus

Aid, Adjustment and Development

12

HUSO2078

City Campus

Assessing Progress in Developing Countries

12

HUSO2080

City Campus

Gender Issues in Development

12

HUSO2085

City Campus

International Disaster Relief and Humanitarian

Assistance

12

SOCU2234

City Campus

Governance and Democracy in Developing Countries

12

HUSO2073

City Campus

The Ethics of Intervention

12

SOCU2238

City Campus

Human Trafficking

12

HUSO2197

City Campus

Global Trade and Sustainable Development:

Discourse, Politics and Practice

12

HUSO2171

City Campus

Practical Ethics for International Development

12

HUSO2347

City Campus

OR
Justice Studies Stream
Course Title

Credit Points

Course
Code

Campus

Advanced Criminal Justice Theory and

Application

12

JUST2264

City Campus

Comparative Criminal Justice Systems

12

HUSO2224

City Campus

Security and Criminal Intelligence

12

JUST2259

City Campus

Criminal Law

12

LAW2394

City Campus

OR
Human Rights Stream
Course Title

Credit
Points

Course
Code

Campus

Introduction to Applied Human Rights

12

HUSO2286

City
Campus

Ethics, Practice and Applied Human Rights

12

HUSO2287

City
Campus

Human Rights as Applied Communication

12

HUSO2291

City
Campus

Applied Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples

12

HUSO2295

City
Campus

Transforming Organisations and Applied Human

Rights I

12

HUSO2288

City
Campus

Education for Human Rights

12

HUSO2290

City
Campus

AND
Year Two of Program

Complete the following Four (4) Courses:

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Program Management and Evaluation

12

HWSS2203

City Campus

Ethics, Values and Public Policy

12

POLI1065

City Campus

Evidence, Policy and Practice

12

POLI1095

City Campus

Integrated Policy and Research Project

24

POLI1100

City Campus

AND
Select and Complete Three (3) Courses (36 credit points) from any of the following Program Elective areas:
Research Stream
Course Title

Credit
Points

Course Code

Campus

Research Strategies - Social Sciences

12

HUSO2079

City Campus

Masters Minor Thesis

24

HUSO2350

City Campus

Masters Minor Thesis 1

12

HUSO2351

City Campus

Masters Minor Thesis 2

12

HUSO2352

City Campus

Social Planning

12

ARCH1321

City Campus

Social Impact Assessment and Community

Engagement

12

ARCH1323

City Campus

International Project Management, Monitoring

and Evaluation

12

HUSO2168

City Campus

Community Economic Analysis

12

ECON1280

City Campus

OR
Public Policy and Management Stream

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Policy Governance

12

POLI1097

City Campus

Indigenous Policy

12

POLI1101

City Campus

Policy Futures

12

POLI1096

City Campus

Policy Communication

12

POLI1091

City Campus

Management Issues

12

HUSO2082

City Campus

Transforming Organisations

12

HUSO2160

City Campus

Innovative Local Government

12

ENVI1149

City Campus

Law and Justice Policy

12

SOCU2073

City Campus

Sustainable Energy Policy and Practice

12

ARCH1269

City Campus

Field Project

12

HUSO2170

City Campus

Environmental Policy

12

ENVI1127

City Campus

Planning Systems and Public Policy

12

ARCH1295

City Campus

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Mental Health

12

HUSO2271

City Campus

Community Development Strategies (Social

Work Theory and Practice IV)

12

HUSO2068

City Campus

Advanced Advocacy and Social Action

12

HUSO2069

City Campus

Conflict Resolution and Mediation

12

ARCH1271

City Campus

Social Work with Groups ( Social Work

Theory and Practice III)

12

HWSS2112

City Campus

Working with Violence and Abuse

12

HWSS2159

City Campus

OR
Human Services Stream

Cultural Difference and Human Service

Practice

12

HWSS2190

City Campus

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Project Planning and Implementation for

Change

12

ARCH1260

City Campus

Managing Contemporary Urban

Environments

12

ARCH1261

City Campus

Strategic Plan Preparation

12

ARCH1263

City Campus

Planning for Community Development

12

ARCH1268

City Campus

Sustainable Regional Development

12

ENVI1151

City Campus

Rural and Regional Planning

12

ARCH1283

City Campus

International Project Planning and Design

12

HUSO2159

City Campus

Integrated Transport Planning

12

ARCH1311

City Campus

Integrating Health and Planning

12

ARCH1312

City Campus

OR
Urban and Regional Planning Stream

OR
Environmental Management Stream
Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Indigenous Land Use (Voc Conf)

12

HUSO2066

City Campus

Parks and Public Land Management

12

ARCH1262

City Campus

Environmental Management - EIA and

EMS

12

ENVI1128

City Campus

Heritage and Environmental Design

12

ARCH1264

City Campus

Coastal and Catchment Management

12

ARCH1266

City Campus

Environmental Theory

12

ENVI1129

City Campus

Green Cities

12

ARCH1287

City Campus

Ecological Economics

12

ENVI1160

City Campus

Ecosystems and Human Impact

12

ENVI1162

City Campus

Strategies for Sustainability

12

ENVI1169

City Campus

Water Policy and Management

12

ENVI1173

City Campus

OR
International Development and Global Studies Stream
Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Microfinance and Development

12

HUSO2067

City Campus

Urbanisation Issues in the Developing

World

12

ARCH1265

City Campus

Health Issues in Development

12

HUSO2072

City Campus

Aid, Adjustment and Development

12

HUSO2078

City Campus

Assessing Progress in Developing

Countries

12

HUSO2080

City Campus

Gender Issues in Development

12

HUSO2085

City Campus

International Disaster Relief and

Humanitarian Assistance

12

SOCU2234

City Campus

Governance and Democracy in Developing

Countries

12

HUSO2073

City Campus

The Ethics of Intervention

12

SOCU2238

City Campus

Human Trafficking

12

HUSO2197

City Campus

Global Trade and Sustainable Development:

Discourse, Politics and Practice

12

HUSO2171

City Campus

Practical Ethics for International

12

HUSO2347

City Campus

Development
OR
Justice Studies Stream
Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Advanced Criminal Justice Theory and

Application

12

JUST2264

City Campus

Comparative Criminal Justice Systems

12

HUSO2224

City Campus

Security and Criminal Intelligence

12

JUST2259

City Campus

Criminal Law

12

LAW2394

City Campus

OR
Human Rights Stream
Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Introduction to Applied Human Rights

12

HUSO2286

City Campus

Ethics, Practice and Applied Human Rights

12

HUSO2287

City Campus

Human Rights as Applied Communication

12

HUSO2291

City Campus

Applied Human Rights and Indigenous

Peoples

12

HUSO2295

City Campus

Transforming Organisations and Applied

Human Rights I

12

HUSO2288

City Campus

Education for Human Rights

12

HUSO2290

City Campus