Master of Social Policy (706AA) // Entry and participation requirements

Entry requirements

To be considered for entry into this course, applicants must:

• Have completed a bachelor degree (AQF7) in any discipline with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 70%, or equivalent.

Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and subject-specific criteria are based on the University of Melbourne’s grading standards and subjects. If studies are from elsewhere, we’ll assess the grades and subjects against University of Melbourne equivalents. This means that the final WAM may be adjusted depending on the previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.

All degree levels referenced align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the national policy guide for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. Applications will be assessed against these standards.

English language requirement

Applicants must satisfy the University's English language requirements. Level 1 English scores are required for this course.

Selection methodology

When assessing and, where relevant, ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• Prior academic performance
• Relevance of previous study.

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.

Meeting the minimum entry and English language requirements does not guarantee selection.

Advanced standing information

Applicants with the following may be awarded 50 points of credit (entry to the 150 point program):

• a bachelor degree (AQF7) in a cognate (relevant) discipline with at least a 70% weighted average, or equivalent.

Cognate (relevant) disciplines include: Politics, Policy, Anthropology, Sociology, International Relations, Development Studies, Criminology, Public Health, Social Work, Gender Studies, Human Geography, Public Administration and Management.

Applicants with the following may be awarded 100 points of credit (entry to the 100 point program):

• a bachelor honours degree (AQF8) in a cognate (relevant) discipline with at least a 70% weighted average, or equivalent, or
• a bachelor degree (AQF7) in a cognate (relevant) discipline with at least a 70% weighted average, or equivalent, and at least two years of documented, relevant work experience.

Cognate (relevant) disciplines include: Sociology, Politics and International Studies, Policy Studies, Criminology, Anthropology and Gender Studies.

Work experience relevant to this course may include roles such as Policy Manager, Policy Officer, Policy Design and Implementation.

Please note this is not a complete list of possible disciplines and work experience. Relevance is always assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants seeking credit must provide the following documentation in support of their application for the recognition of prior professional experience:

• Brief curriculum vitae detailing work experience
• contact details of two referees
• a covering letter outlining the applicants professional background and how this prepares them to successfully undertake the program.

In some cases, an interview and/or two reference letters from employers/managers detailing the period of employment and areas of responsibility, and/or evidence of written work or reports undertaken during the period of employment may be requested.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005) and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF127). For the purposes of considering requests for reasonable adjustments, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the overview, attributes, outcomes and skills of this entry. Further details about how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

 

Last updated: 15 January 2026