Master of Public Policy and Management (344AB) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Master of Public Policy and Management should be able to:

• Identify, compare, explain and translate major traditions, trends, challenges and policy responses and reforms in contemporary political debates, governance systems, processes of public policy making and public sector management with a nuanced appreciation of the expectations and roles of key actors and institutions in sub-national, national, regional and international contexts
• Critically select and employ appropriate research methods and techniques based on rigorous analysis, careful consideration of a range of data sources and cogent methodological frameworks along with an appreciation of emerging and innovative professional practices to establish strong evidentiary foundations
• Demonstrate mastery of the latest scholarship with confidence to meticulously and analytically discern and appraise contextual factors that could influence or impact desired policy or organisational outcomes
• Confidently and assuredly work with complexity in terms of information and policy and managerial environments to creatively and expertly distinguish between different dilemmas and opportunities and to tailor strategies to empower a range of key actors, such as public managers and service users or clients, to negotiate change and to effectively resolve or mitigate conflict
• Engage in more abstract or esoteric discussions and be able to summarise, synthesise and meaningfully advise key policy community stakeholders correctly using both specialist and non-specialist language
• Clearly and persuasively communicate to diverse audiences ranging from high-level government delegations to local communities with an awareness of cultural norms and sensitivities as well as agility to shift from shorter briefings to longer, detailed presentations
• Design and critique specialised policy and management documents, such as management strategies, budget statements, comprehensive lobbying strategies and case studies
• Exhibit in-depth technical understandings of policy and service design, implementation and delivery principles and challenges, acknowledging different impacts on and needs of less powerful users and communities
• Propose improvements to accountability and integrity systems by drawing upon best practice and being cognisant of the importance of upholding at times distinctive public sector ethics and values
• Execute a substantial governance, public policy or public management research project both independently and within groups, through capstone subjects, a thesis or through an internship

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete the Master of Public Policy and Management should have:

• in-depth knowledge of the disciplines of political science and policy and administration, and the ability to examine governance, policy and public sector reform issues from other disciplinary perspectives.
• critical and strong reasoning skills, and creativity in applying theory and research methods to complex practical problems across diverse contexts.
• effective oral and written communication skills.
• an advanced appreciation of the Asian and Pacific regions, including Indigenous knowledge, cultures and values and sustainable futures.
• autonomy, self-motivation, self-direction and outstanding organisational skills to set goals and manage time and priorities.
• skills in self-assessment, self-awareness, reflective and lifelong learning, with an overriding commitment to personal and professional integrity.

Graduate attributes